Paul and Chris McDevitt share a passion for wrestling and coaching that’s earned the Oxford varsity program respect and recognition around the state.
As a result, the McDevitts recently received coaching honors from the Michigan Wrestling Association.
Chris was named the state Division 2 Assistant Coach of the Year while Paul was honored as a regional Coach of the Year.
‘It felt good. I was honored,? Chris said. ‘I think it shows people see Oxford and respect the program. There were probably a lot of coaches who didn’t even know who I was, but they look at the program and say, ‘Hey, they got something special going over there.??
‘I think it kind of showed that a lot of the coaches respect our program, where it’s at and saw that we had a good season and a good team.?
Paul’s been head coach of the varsity wrestling team since the 1994-95 season. His record with Oxford is 201 wins, 122 losses and 2 ties.
‘For me, the most rewarding part is seeing the kids improve,? he said. ‘It’s not about the wins and losses. It’s about the journey in between ? seeing kids go from their freshman year to their senior year.?
Chris, who’s been the assistant coach for 10 years, agreed. ‘It’s rewarding when a kid does well,? he said. ‘He doesn’t have to be a state champ. Just seeing them grow, succeed in the program and knowing that you’ve been a part of that ? that’s what it’s about.?
Prior to Oxford, Chris coached for two years at the middle school level in Holly.
Paul and Chris agreed being brothers makes coaching together a lot easier. From being able to freely speak their minds to planning out next season over a summer barbecue, it’s obvious the two love working together.
‘I know what he expects out of me,? Chris said. ‘I respect that it’s his program and run it his way. But he always lets me have my input.?
No matter what happens, Chris said, ‘At the end of the day, we’re still going to be brothers.?
‘He really does do it for the right reasons,? said Paul of his brother. ‘He doesn’t care if he gets paid. Most years he doesn’t get paid. He does it because it makes him happy to be part of something.?
‘I couldn’t ask for a better assistant coach.?