Does anyone know the history of why we have the 32/33 pigtail match? Considering we have at large bids, why do they qualify 33 instead of 32? I quite enjoy the pigtail match and am not saying to get rid of it, but what’s the history behind this?
I believe everything below to be accurate, some by memory, some looked up. Dates are close.
2009 to Present: 33 wrestlers exactly, one pigtail per weight class. Actually, there were a couple years where the brackets were considered 64-man brackets, everyone winning their first bout getting an EXTRA Advancement point. Now they are 32-man brackets with a true pigtail.
2019: Started seeding to 33.
2014 to 2018: Seeding to 16
1979 to 2013: Seeding to 12
1960's and most of 70's: Seeding was between 6 and 10 wrestlers
1972 to 1979: Top 6 were All-Americans. 1980 on, top-8 were All-Americans
1971 & prior: Consi brackets resembled repechage brackets ala freestyle today. In 1972, the consi brackets were expanded, but the tournament was not yet double elimination. That happened about 1986.
Regarding the size of the brackets, additional info to the first item above:
1960's through 1990: Most NCAA Tournaments consisted of more than 330 wrestlers. Biggest year was 1970, with 394 wrestlers. Largest weight class was 160 pounds in 1969, with 47 wrestlers.
Starting in 1991 (I think, maybe 1992), the brackets were skinnied down and the target was 330 wrestlers. Conferences voted on WILD CARDS, so the brackets were uneven. Compare that to today, with AT-LARGE selections and balanced weight classes. This is the period when the "330 wrestlers" became a thing.