After losing four senior wrestlers to graduation last year, the Oxford High School wrestling team has rebounded well and is working hard to maintain the level of competition in the South-West Conference and Class S set by past Wolverine squads.
In its fifth season in varsity competition, Oxford has some strong returning wrestlers but several empty weight classes, making it difficult to garnish some of the key wins necessary to win in dual meets. Still, the Wolverines are 6-4 on the season and have had some fine performances, including one over the weekend at the (John) Lawless Invitational at Nonnewaug High School, when it placed fourth out of 12 teams.
Oxford has two returning seniors in Captains Alex Mardis and Will Denslow. They also have some strong returning juniors led by defending Class S Champion Steve Persson. Strong performances are also expected from returning juniors Nick Lombardi, Marlin Simon, Andy Temple, Brendan Carothers and Dan Carbonaro. New to the team this year is junior Janos Lobb, who brings years of wrestling experience with him.
Last Thursday, the Wolverines pulled off a victory against SWC rival Stratford, 42-34, and a victory at 182 lbs. against a one-man team from Notre Dame Fairfield, bringing their season record to 2-2 within the SWC and 6-4 overall. On Saturday, the Wolverines came away with four medals at the Lawless Invitational. Steve Persson (152 lbs.) and Dan Carbonaro (285 lbs.) both came went home with first place medals. Andrew Temple placed second at 195 lbs. with Will Denslow taking third at 160 lbs. Placing fourth were Marlin Simon (170 lbs.), Alex Mardis (182 lbs.) and Brendan Carothers (220 lbs.).
The Wolverines continue their season with two home matches this week at the Oxford High School. On Wednesday, they will match up against Bethel at 6 p.m. And on Thursday, they will take on New Fairfield at 6 p.m. All Oxford fans are encouraged to come out and show support for the team and cheer them on to victories against these two SWC rivals.
- Information provided by Michael J. Mardis
