It’s been seven years since Oxford’s varsity wrestlers won a state title and bringing home another one remains their top priority.

“One of the unique aspects of wrestling is that there are really two entities: there’s the individual side to the title and the team aspect . . . Our number one goal every season is to win the team state title,” said Head Coach Ross Wingert.

Currently, Wingert is warming up the team for the beginning of the season and building team morale. The team’s sole captain right now is senior Trent Myre, who was also a standout on the football team this year. But, Wingert is looking for more team members to step up and join Myre in the captain spot.

“We’re looking to add more captains, but that’s just not something we hand out,” Wingert said. “(We look for) if they’re leading by example and leading verbally.”

Wingert said he has several powerhouse athletes on the team this year, including seniors Austin Schlicht, Liam Hillary, Matthew Curtis and Caleb Tabert.

“We have some top-ranked (wrestlers) … we’re going to have about four or five more (wrestlers) in the top rankings real quick,” Wingert said.

The team’s first meet is against Airport and John Glenn on Dec. 5. The meet will host a first-time attraction for Oxford High, starting during school hours and functioning as an assembly. Students only will be allowed at the first match for security reasons, but the public will be welcome to the second match.

Wingert and the wrestlers are looking forward to showcasing their talents in front of their peers.

“We’re really looking forward to that opportunity and kicking the year off with a bang,” he said.

As for states, they’ve already got their eyes on it. “There’s some great competition in Michigan, but that’s never going to change our goal,” Wingert said.