Oxford Volleyball Makes History

The first one is always the toughest.

The Oxford High School boys' volleyball team was the first of three teams to play for a state title this weekend. And despite some nerve-wracking moments in the first two sets, the Wolverines showed why they will go down as one of the most dominant teams in local high school sports history.

The undefeated (23-0) and No. 1-seeded Oxford team came from behind in those first two sets and knocked off No. 3 Enfield three sets to none in the Class S state title game.

"Enfield was a very good team and they forced us to change our game plan," said junior co-captain Pat Cragan, who had an incredible 38 assists. "Our guys stepped up and made the adjustments necessary."

Every time Oxford got down in the first set, Cragan looked to set up senior co-captains Bobby Costigan and Jason Mraz, or juniors Josh Thorne and Eric Jensen. Led by Costigan, Oxford's hitters put on a clinic in spiking Friday night and ignited a largely pro-Oxford crowd with every slam.

"The crowd was like our seventh man tonight," said Costigan, the Div. 1-bound senior and state kills record holder who earned tournament most valuable player honors. "They were so supportive; it made this night even more special."

Costigan had 23 kills and four blocks, while Mraz and Thorne had 10 kills apiece. Mraz also had six blocks for Oxford.

Oxford Head Coach Jeff Giovacchino, turned the program around from two wins in the first season of varsity action five years ago, said he could not have done it without the dedication of the players.

"They had to be willing to lose a bunch of games and keep coming back, working hard to get to this level," he said.

He said he knew Oxford could be great because of the quality of student-athlete they get.

"We have a bunch of great kids who come from great families," he said. "These kids know work ethic and dedication to the team."

Perhaps nobody more than Costigan, who will play volleyball at Sacred Heart University in the fall.

"Bobby has been our go-to leader all season," Giovacchino said. "Every time we needed someone to step up in a game, in practice, wherever, he's been there. I can't say enough about how much he's meant to this program."

Costigan used his post-game interviews with multiple media outlets Friday to praise his teammates over himself. He called Cragan one the best hitter in the state, and junior libero Ed Carver the best libero in the state. He also praised each of the starters as well as the bench players.

"We had a mission all year, after losing in last year's state title game, to come out here and win it all this season," he said. "Everybody dedicated themselves to that and here we are."

Mraz summed up his team's emotions succinctly.

"This is just an awesome feeling," he said. 

Team Roster

Fred Widmer
Nick Greenhouse
Pat Cragan
Zach Antonio 
Bobby Costigan
Ed Carver
Jordan Wisniewski
Nate Seibert
Eric Jensen
Jason Mraz
Matt Dogali
Kevin Shumitz
Josh Thorne
Coach: Jeff Giovacchino 

Editor's Note: There are two videos attached to this article; one shows the end of the first set, while the second shows the end of the game celebration with some crowd chants from the game. Click on the thumbnails that have the play buttons in the middle.