Oxford’s grapplers continued to prove why they are one of the wrestling powerhouses in the state, qualifying nine individuals for state finals in addition to qualifying as a team for state finals.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, nine out of 13 wrestlers moved on to the state finals, which will be held March 12-14 at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
125-pound Matt Frisch led the way as he was the only wrestler for the Wildcats to place first in his weight class.
140-pound Ben Ralston and 160-pound A.J. Logan came in second, while Oxford had a slew of wrestlers finish third including 103-pound Jacob Peasley, 112-pound Calvin Cavanaugh, 152-pound Mike Myer, 215 pound Prescott Line and Heavyweight Dylan Smith.
189-pound Josh Villarreal qualified for state by finishing fourth in his weight division.
‘This was the most we’ve ever gotten out of regionals,? said Oxford Head Coach Scott Couch, who was also named as the Regional Head Coach of the Year. ‘We’re strong in a lot of weight classes and I’m very proud of the guys who placed in state.?
The individual tournament capped off an amazing week for the Wildcats, who also saw its team qualify for the state finals in Battle Creek with victories over Lapeer East and Linden.
In the championship match, the Wildcats never gave Linden a chance, running out to a 25-0 lead before Linden got one of its three victories in the match.
The Wildcats finished the rout with a 47-11 victory.
Line got the Wildcats started with a 6-1 victory over Linden’s Jake Smith, while Smith pinned his opponent in one minute to help the Wildcats get out to their huge lead.
Peasley, Cavanaugh, 119-lb Michael Thomas and Frisch contributed to the 25-0 lead.
This came on the heels of a 61-15 dismantling of Lapeer East in the semi-finals.
Their next chance to show their dominance is in the state finals this weekend in Battle Creek.
‘We want to go to state and let people know who Oxford is,? Couch said. ‘If we win three more dual meets we’re state champs.?