What do Uncrustables, Gatorades and Subway sandwiches have in common? Each is a staple of Erie County high school wrestlers’ diets. Making weight is simply part of life for these student-athletes.

While the athletes perform under the brightest lights, it’s the trainers and support staff working behind the scenes who make their winning possible. This is their story.

For most Division I wrestlers, the sheer thought of having to make weight at a different class is unfathomable. But most wrestlers are not wired like sophomore Hawkeye Gabe Arnold.  “It’s just ...