By Kristi McDevitt
Sports Correspondent
You would think it’d be tough to top last year’s state quarter-final appearance for the Wildcat wrestling team, but that is exactly what the team has its sights set on according to coach Paul McDevitt.
‘We came together as a team at the end of last season and had a great run. I think we can do better this season. Last year we didn’t compete well in the Oakland County tournament or in league competition. One of our goals this season is to improve at those.?
Returning several starters from last year ? eleven of fourteen to be exact ? this team seems poised for another great season, but coach McDevitt warns ‘this is a different team in different circumstances. We have higher expectations on us from outside and more importantly from within. Putting it all together will be a challenge for the team.?
The squad ? which numbers around 40 ? surprisingly boasts only 4 seniors, but according to McDevitt their leadership is very valuable. Mike May, Nick Murray, Kam Mueller and Adam Duncan are the seniors the team will depend on. Murray is the only returning Wildcat that made it to the individual state finals at the Palace last year.
McDevitt will rely heavily on his juniors, Mike Upshur, Nathan Musgrove, Bobby Rhodes, Cavan Cappuccilli-Cotter, Brent Mueller, Jay Regan, John Logan and Aaron Moore, all returning starters, to carry the load this season.
‘This team will go as far as the juniors will take it.? McDevitt said. ‘With two-thirds of the team juniors, it doesn’t take a math teacher to figure out that we need them to score our team points. The seniors will do their jobs, but the juniors need to step it up this season if we are to experience success. Luckily, they know this. They’ve been here before.?
A few sophomore and freshman wrestlers will see varsity action this season as well. Sophomores Kyle Brammer and Zach Line are among the returning starters from last season.
The Wildcats opened their season Thursday night taking on Rochester Adams and Lake Orion. At Lake Orion, Oxford defeated Adams 41-24 in their first match of the night. Mike Upshur, Nathan Musgrove, Kyle Brammer, Brent Mueller, Jay Regan, Nick Murray, Kam Mueller and Aaron Moore all recorded victories over the Highlanders. In the nightcap, Oxford lost to Lake Orion 36-28. Posting wins were Mike Upshur, Nathan Musgrove, Kyle Brammer, John Logan, Nick Murray, Kam Mueller and Adam Duncan. Lake Orion is considered one of the favorites to win Oakland County this year, but the Wildcats feel they are right there with them. ‘Lake Orion is a very good team and got the win tonight. We need to continue to improve and make sure we come out the gate strong this year rather than wait for the end of the season. There were a few matches we lost tonight that we shouldn’t have, and that was the difference. Unfortunately we don’t get another chance at them this year.? The Cats will square off against Brighton and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s at Lake Orion on Wednesday night before heading to Romeo for their first tournament on Saturday.