Grapplers lose 41-21 to Lowell in team state quarterfinals

‘It just wasn’t our day.?
That’s how Varsity Wrestling Coach Paul McDevitt summed up Oxford’s 41-21 loss to Lowell in the team state quarterfinals held in Battle Creek over the weekend.
McDevitt indicated the final score does not reflect how close the matches actually were between Oxford and defending Division 2 state champion Lowell.
Only two matches in the 14 weight classes were won by pins, McDevitt said.
‘Most (matches) came down to the wire and could have gone either way,? the coach said. ‘Unfortunately, they went the other team’s way.?
‘We just didn’t have enough to pull it out,? McDevitt noted.
Despite the loss, McDevitt said the team had a ‘wonderful season,? accomplishing ‘much more than I expected.?
‘It was a great learning experience.?
Three Oxford wrestlers will go on to compete in the individual state championships beginning Thursday at the Palace of Auburn Hills. They are junior Nick Murray (171), senior Kyle Nieporte (152) and senior Kyle Oliver (215).