Hosting the Royal Oak Ravens on Dec. 12, the Oxford Wildcats boys’ swim and dive team began their season with a 102-81 victory.
Winning nine of the 12 events as a team, Wildcats junior Nolan May was part of three, first-place finishes for the night. Claiming both the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke from an individual perspective, he was also a member of Oxford’s 200-yard medley relay.
Competing in Oakland Activities Association’s Red Division, the Wildcats will rely on their seniors to lead by example

as the team navigates the tough waters. Fortunately, in the season-opener, the upperclassmen did just what head coach Jackie Rank was hoping for.
A team captain, senior Carter Pollard prevailed in the 100-yard freestyle with a blistering time of 54.6. On the diving side, classmate Evan Covert – another team captain – took home second-place by posting a score of 150.9.
While the experience of these seniors will be counted on, the junior foundation proved they can perform, too. Composed entirely of members of the 2021 class, the 400-yard freestyle relay team of Zach Beatty, Cole Bukoski, Ryan Kuklinsky and May captured a second-place finish of their own.
“This was a great starting point for our season,” Rank said. “We have a lot of room for improvement, but we can see the potential in this team.
“We have a tough season ahead of us where we will be competing against some of the best teams in the state. We’ll celebrate this win for a night and then get back to work to prepare for Lake Orion.”
Oxford’s fiercest rival, Lake Orion is a member of the OAA White this season, one division below the Wildcats. Taking place at the Lake Orion High School Natatorium, the action with the Dragons will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 17.