With Michigan High School Athletic Association districts opening this week, the Oxford varsity wrestling team has the weight of the world on its shoulders.
Head coach Paul McDevitt said his team is prepared, but keeping a close eye on their starting opponents Holly.
“I think we overlooked them last year,” he stated, “and we’re not going to let that happen this year. We’re not going to overlook a thing this year.”
In 2002, Oxford defeated Holly in a tri-meet match. However, Holly came back with a vengeance and defeated the Wildcats at district competition.
Oxford wrestlers to watch for in MHSAA competition include Tim Breyer, Tony Lyssiotis, Ron Mantel, Kyle Rowley and Luis Gomez.
State hopeful Tim Breyer has a season record of 31-2. He lost one match by default due to injury and the second was against a two-time state champion from Clarkston, said McDevitt.
“He’s all around good, but I think he’s strongest when he’s on top,” he added. “He’s really good at turning his opponents around to put them on their backs.”
Tony Lyssiotis has a record of 29-2. He also lost to quality opponents with one happening during the Oakland County finals and the other when he suffered an injury against Lapeer West’s Roger Kish, who stands number one in the country in all weights combined.
“He’s great with his take downs on his feet,” said McDevitt. “He’s very aggressive.”
Mantel, at 119, stands 26-3 for the season, Rowley is 35-5 and Gomez is 26-4. All three wrestlers have great shots at placing during state-level competition, state McDevitt.
The team geared up for the start of MHSAA tournament season by crushing both Lapeer East and Brandon this past week. The team then continued their streak by taking second place in the Flint Metro League Tournament.
The boys toppled the Lapeer East Eagles 65-10 in a no contest match-up.
Winning for the Wildcats were Jim Frisch at 103, Mike May at 112, Ron Mantel at 119, Shawn Gall at 125, Steve Storrs at 130, Adam Popa at 140, Mike Potter at 145, Kyle Rowley at 160, Tim Breyer at 171, Tony Lyssiotis at 189, Kyle Oliver at 215 and Luis Gomez in the heavyweight.
The cats then continued their drive by defeating Brandon 71-5.
Winning for the Wildcats were Mike May at 112, Ron Mantel at 119, Shawn Gall at 125, Steve Storrs at 130, Joe Szymanski at 135, Adam Popa at 140, Mike Potter at 145, Brian Elderidge at 152, Kyle Rowley at 160, Chris Jones at 171, Tim Breyer at 171, Tony Lyssiotis at 189, Kyle Oliver at 215 and Luis Gomez in the heavyweight.
At Saturday’s tournament, Oxford took second topping Linden, Fenton, Holly, Brandon and Lapeer East. Lapeer West took first from the Wildcats 209.50 to 174.
Winning in the championship round were Oxford wrestlers Tim Breyer at 171, Tony Lyssiotis at 189, Luis Gomez in the heavy weight and Ron Mantel at 119. Other Oxford players who competed in the championships and took second place were Mike Potter at 145 and Kyle Rowley at 160. Third place winners for Oxford include Joe Szymanski at 135, Shawn Gall at 125 and Steve Storrs at 130.
Oxford’s final tournament record stands at 5-1.