As in years past, Coach Paul McDevitt is expecting his wrestlers to ‘continue the winning tradition.? So far, they have started the season with a 4-3 record.
‘This is a very young team compared to past teams.? There aren’t as many ‘superstars? on this team as we’ve had in the past,? McDevitt explained. ‘However, they are talented and working hard.? Many of them will make a name for themselves starting this year.?
McDevitt said they have built a tough schedule this year to challenge themselves by competing against the best teams in the state throughout the season.
‘We look forward to winning our way back to the state quarter finals in Battle Creek and make a run at another state title,? he added.
Returning this year is Alex Hrisopoulos (Jr.), a state runner-Up.? Collin Campbell (Sr.) Peter Economou (Jr.) and Jacob Call (So.) are returning varsity every day starters from last year.?
‘Much of the rest of the team got great experience last year in and out of the varsity lineup,? McDevitt noted.
As far as ‘newbies,? he said they have a ‘small, but talented freshman class.?
‘We will probably start two freshmen in our everyday varsity line up,? he added. ‘Both of these freshman have many years of experience through the club and middle school program.?
The strength of the team is ‘balance throughout the lineup?
‘Some of our past years? teams had some real strong parts in the line-up, and some holes or weaknesses.? We had to shift things around to try to get desirable match ups,? explained McDevitt. ‘This year’s team lacks the star power, but has a tough, budding star at each weight class.? Because of this balance, we have a great opportunity to be something special by the end of the season.?
As for the league, Clarkston, Stoney Creek and Rochester and always good teams in the OAA Red, which is wrestling’s highest division. ‘Oxford has won the OAA Red every year we have competed in it,? McDevitt added. ‘Our goal is to continue that trend and win another OAA championship this season.?
The first overall goal of the season is to ‘have fun and be the best? they can be.
‘Wins and losses are going to be part of our development this season,? he said. ‘If we stay healthy and develop the way I think we can, we have a shot to be back in the state finals again this season?
Also new to the coaching staff this year is former’two-time MHSAA State Champion from Lapeer West, James Kish.
‘He is joining an excellent group of dedicated, knowledgeable coaches,? McDevitt said. ‘Kish adds even more technique and toughness to our team.?
The boys? next match will be 4 p.m. Dec. 19 at Lake Orion High School for the Oakland County Championship.