By Kristi McDevitt
Sports Correspondent
The Oxford wrestling team accomplished a feat that no other Flint Metro League school has been able to in the past 6 years ? defeat Lapeer West.
On Friday night the Wildcats handed the Panthers a 51-21 defeat.
The loss was the first FML defeat for Lapeer West’s wrestling team in 38 consecutive league contests.
Prior last week, the Panthers hadn’t lost a league dual since Fenton defeated them 32-30 on January 19, 2000.
‘During the first half of this decade we’ve had some outstanding wrestling teams here at Oxford. Unfortunately, Lapeer West has had some great teams as well and has gotten the upper hand on us until now,? Oxford coach Paul McDevitt said.
Indeed the Panthers have dominated not only the FML, but also most of the state during their run, winning two State Championships and a runner-up finish.
‘It feels good to get that monkey off my back.? McDevitt stated. ‘In my 11 years coaching here at Oxford we have not defeated Lapeer West in a league contest. I can’t think of a better group of guys to share this victory with than the members of this year’s squad.?
Oxford dominated from start to finish winning 10 of the 14 weight classes, 7 by pin. Calvin Cavanaugh, Mike Upshur, Nathan Musgrove, Bobby Rhodes, Kyle Brammer, Mike Myer, Brent Mueller, John Logan, Nick Murray and Adam Duncan all won against the Panthers.
In the second contest of the evening Oxford faced a tough Lapeer East squad who gave the Wildcats a very good match. In the end, however, the Wildcats prevailed 37-33.
Winning for the ‘Cats were Calvin Cavanaugh, Mike Upshur, Nathan Musgrove, Mike May, Mike Myer, Brent Mueller and Kam Mueller.
‘That was a close one,? McDevitt remarked. ‘Each team won 7 of the 14 weight classes ? the difference came down to pins. When we don’t get pinned, we are extremely tough to beat.?
Five of the seven Wildcat victories came via pin, while only three of their losses were pins. Oxford is now 13-2 overall 2-0 in the FML.
Due to complications caused by the weather the Wildcat grapplers were forced into back-to-back competitions. Friday versus Lapeer East and West and Saturday at the 16-team Imlay City Tournament.
If the Cats were tired, they sure didn’t show it.
Oxford scored 199 points to win the tournament championship. Imlay City was second with 193 points.
Adam Duncan, Bo Cantara and Bobby Rhodes all won individual championships for Oxford while Mike Upshur and Zach Line finished second. Nick Murray, Mike May and Brent Mueller rounded out the placers, each finishing third.
The Wildcats are back in action this Wednesday for their last home meet of the season versus Clio and Brandon at 5:30pm.