Optimal Performance Calculator (OPC)
History of the Alpha Weigh-In and OPC
The strict protocols surrounding the "Alpha Weigh-In," which includes hydration and body fat testing, were implemented following a tragic period in the late 1990s. In late 1997, three different collegiate wrestlers—from Campbell University, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and the University of Michigan—died within 33 days of each other while attempting severe, rapid weight loss through dangerous methods like excessive dehydration and the use of rubber suits in saunas.1
These deaths served as a dramatic and somber catalyst for nationwide reform within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). To protect student-athletes, the NCAA overhauled its weight management policies. The central component of this reform was the creation of the Optimal Performance Calculator (OPC). The OPC established a scientific, personalized baseline for each wrestler, determining their minimum certified wrestling weight by calculating a healthy body fat percentage (no lower than 5% for males and 12% for females). The initial weigh-in and testing ("Alpha Weigh-In") is the foundational step that inputs the data into the OPC, ensuring no athlete can drop below their safe, determined minimum weight class throughout the season. The process mandated in your Canvas is directly tied to preventing these historical tragedies from ever happening again.
Meaghan Rourke; ATC
Dear Meaghn Rourke,
On behalf of the entire organization, we are delighted to be working with you. We sincerely hope your experience with the Hawks is professional and easy. As a coach, I place a high value on organization and clear communication, which helps ensure smooth execution for everyone involved.
As we look ahead, we would certainly be interested in discussing the possibility of making this a successful and annual event.
To ensure we maintain our operational timelines, please keep the following critical deadlines in mind regarding the data input:
Finally, please know that you have full support during this process. Should you need any assistance or have questions, please reach out to our two dedicated assistant coaches: Jager or Diante.
We look forward to a successful partnership.
Sincerely,
Grant MacKenzie
Head Wrestling Coach
I have the paperwork below already printed and ready to go!
On behalf of the entire organization, we are delighted to be working with you. We sincerely hope your experience with the Hawks is professional and easy. As a coach, I place a high value on organization and clear communication, which helps ensure smooth execution for everyone involved.
As we look ahead, we would certainly be interested in discussing the possibility of making this a successful and annual event.
To ensure we maintain our operational timelines, please keep the following critical deadlines in mind regarding the data input:
- The trainer has five (5) days from the event to input all results into the designated OPC calculator.
- Once the trainer confirms that everything has been successfully entered, please send me a text message immediately.
Finally, please know that you have full support during this process. Should you need any assistance or have questions, please reach out to our two dedicated assistant coaches: Jager or Diante.
We look forward to a successful partnership.
Sincerely,
Grant MacKenzie
Head Wrestling Coach
I have the paperwork below already printed and ready to go!
Coach Jager Kwiatkowski
Jager,
Your assistance is required to streamline the initial process for wrestler Alpha as part of the official pre-screenings.
Please work directly with the trainer to complete the following specific actions in this sequence:
Thank you for your reliable support.
Your assistance is required to streamline the initial process for wrestler Alpha as part of the official pre-screenings.
Please work directly with the trainer to complete the following specific actions in this sequence:
- Initial Weigh-In: You are responsible for conducting the initial weigh-in for Alpha.
- Record Keeping: Immediately after the weigh-in, accurately record Alpha's actual weight on the designated paper forms.
- Handoff to Trainer: Once the weight is recorded, please escort Alpha to the main trainer station to proceed with the hydration test and body fat test.
Thank you for your reliable support.
Coach Diante Taylor
Diante,
Your primary assignment for the start of the season is to manage the distribution of HFC gear to the athletes.
This process will take place up on the balcony. Due to the volume of equipment and the number of athletes, it is imperative that this is done in an orderly and organized fashion.
Please focus on the following to ensure efficiency and prevent congestion:
Thank you for ensuring this critical initial task is handled with precision.
Your primary assignment for the start of the season is to manage the distribution of HFC gear to the athletes.
This process will take place up on the balcony. Due to the volume of equipment and the number of athletes, it is imperative that this is done in an orderly and organized fashion.
Please focus on the following to ensure efficiency and prevent congestion:
- Establish a clear line or queue for athletes.
- Check names against the roster as gear is handed out.
- Maintain a calm and professional environment throughout the distribution process.
Thank you for ensuring this critical initial task is handled with precision.
Redshirts
Redshirt Athletes,
This memo outlines a critical administrative step that must be completed if you plan to compete in any events while designated as "unattached" for Henry Ford College.
Requirement:
If you intend to compete in an unattached capacity, you are required to be inside the Optimal Performance Calculator (OPC) system.
Reasoning and Action:
The sole purpose of this requirement is to ensure the Head Coach can successfully print an official weigh-in sheet that includes your name. Without your entry in the OPC, you cannot be listed on the official weigh-in documentation, which will make you ineligible to compete.
Please ensure your status and data are confirmed in the OPC system immediately to guarantee your readiness for competition.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this eligibility matter.
This memo outlines a critical administrative step that must be completed if you plan to compete in any events while designated as "unattached" for Henry Ford College.
Requirement:
If you intend to compete in an unattached capacity, you are required to be inside the Optimal Performance Calculator (OPC) system.
Reasoning and Action:
The sole purpose of this requirement is to ensure the Head Coach can successfully print an official weigh-in sheet that includes your name. Without your entry in the OPC, you cannot be listed on the official weigh-in documentation, which will make you ineligible to compete.
Please ensure your status and data are confirmed in the OPC system immediately to guarantee your readiness for competition.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this eligibility matter.
What
Alpha Weigh-in is required for Wrestlers on official roster and must be completed before competing in any tournament or dual meet. Wrestlers who join our team 2nd semester must be assessed before competing as well.
Optimal Performance Calculator (OPC) is aka...Alpha Weigh-in.
By rule, TEAMS can begin administering the Alpha Weight In on September 1st
What can I weigh? (click)
Optimal Performance Calculator (OPC) is aka...Alpha Weigh-in.
By rule, TEAMS can begin administering the Alpha Weight In on September 1st
What can I weigh? (click)
When
Alpha #1
Monday, October 6
4-5pm
Arrive at 3:30 PM
Monday, October 6
4-5pm
Arrive at 3:30 PM
Where
Henry Ford College
5101 Evergreen Rd
Dearborn, MI
Use the South Entrance and park near lot #10
Interactive Campus Map
Building H (gymnasium)
Varsity room (Lower Level; next to Men's Locker room
Building H (gymnasium)
HFC Gear will be distributed from the balcony
5101 Evergreen Rd
Dearborn, MI
Use the South Entrance and park near lot #10
Interactive Campus Map
Building H (gymnasium)
Varsity room (Lower Level; next to Men's Locker room
Building H (gymnasium)
HFC Gear will be distributed from the balcony
Fomat
Trainer has 5 days to input results
Coach has 48 hours to accept or decline
Once the coach accepts the results ZERO changes can be made
Coach has 48 hours to accept or decline
Once the coach accepts the results ZERO changes can be made
Assessor- Meaghan Rourke, ATC
- Urine Specific Gravity Test (Hydration)
- Skin Fold Tests (x3)
- Triceps
- Subscapular
- Abdominal
- Body weight
***Must be inserted into OPC within 5 days
1.5% per week rule: Fat Loss
1.5% per week Rule: Water Loss
ACTIVITIES BANNED BY NCAA
Banned by the NCAA include the use of:
- saunas
- vapor-impermeable suits
- stimulants
- diuretics
- over-heated wrestling facilities
Athletic Trainer Liason
Jackie Paquette
708-642-0767
jpaquette@nwca
2025-26 OPC Collegiate Assessor Change Form
College Coaches: Please utilize this form ONLY if your Assessor needs to be CHANGED from last year. If your assessor is the same, you do not need to do anything.
Please note this form is ONLY for collegiate coaches. HS assessors must be added through their state offices.
Thank you, please let me know at [email protected] if you have any questions.
708-642-0767
jpaquette@nwca
2025-26 OPC Collegiate Assessor Change Form
College Coaches: Please utilize this form ONLY if your Assessor needs to be CHANGED from last year. If your assessor is the same, you do not need to do anything.
Please note this form is ONLY for collegiate coaches. HS assessors must be added through their state offices.
Thank you, please let me know at [email protected] if you have any questions.
How much should I weigh?
This is a popular question. Below is how to calculate how much you can lose per week (1.5% bodyweight). The first question to ask is, "how many weeks till we compete?". The second question is, "how much bodyfat do you have?".
Take your weight and multiply by .985 to find out how much weight you can lose in one week (1.5%)
Ex.
138 x .985=135.93
135.93 x .985=133.89
133.89 x .985=131.88
131.88 x .985=129.90
^^^ That's 4 weeks...
Do your own math...
Take your weight and multiply by .985 to find out how much weight you can lose in one week (1.5%)
Ex.
138 x .985=135.93
135.93 x .985=133.89
133.89 x .985=131.88
131.88 x .985=129.90
^^^ That's 4 weeks...
Do your own math...
