The Oxford Chargers Wrestling team is gearing up for a successful season in year four of the program. Despite losing key players, the Chargers look to replace those roles with up and coming players who are ready to compete. The Chargers have a challenging schedule this year and will have competitive matchups to look forward to. New head coach of the OHS Wrestling team, Joel Deere, is embracing his first year at the helm.
“So far it’s been amazing,” Deere said. “It has been my goal since starting my coaching journey in Mississippi to head a team, and I’m so blessed to have my first real opportunity with a program like Oxford that has a rich history, incredible support system and athletes who are committed to their sport and their community.”
The Chargers will face challenging opponents with many out of state teams on this year’s schedule.
“One thing that makes a good team is a tough schedule,” Deere said. “I did my absolute best to put us up
against some really good competition throughout the season. I made sure that we are going out of state or at least facing out of state teams as much as possible. I’m really looking forward to the Charger Challenge on Dec. 13 at Oxford High School. That is a huge opportunity to put a spotlight on our estate and really begin building wrestling here in Oxford.”
The Chargers return key seniors that look to have great seasons. Deere is excited about his opportunity to coach their final season.
“I’m very excited about this year’s team,” Deere said. “I have some returning veterans going into their senior season. Already these athletes have demonstrated fierce leadership and commitment to the sport, as well as all being naturally gifted wrestlers. In previous years, as an outsider looking in, I’ve always recognized them as standouts in the program.”
Senior wrestler Tripp Sudduth looks forward to taking the mat this season in what will be his last year with the team.
“My main goal is to win state,” Sudduth said. “Last year I came up short in the semifinals, but now I want
to put everything I’ve learned to work and finally reach the gold. I also want to encourage my teammates and help them improve, so that when I leave, they can be just as good or even better.”
Sudduth is excited to see how the team performs this season with multiple new wrestlers taking the mat. “After last year, we lost a lot of great talent,” Sudduth said. “Filling those roster gaps are a lot of new people who will be starting for the first time. I’m excited to see the new faces on the mat and to work with them to help all of us become the best team we can be.”
Senior wrestler Prashna Tamang also has high hopes and expectations for this season from both a team-wide perspective and individually.
“So far, the goals I have for our team this year include us winning the Dual State Championships and going in first for overall team points in the state individual tournament,” Tamang said. “And personally, I have goals to be North Half Champ for the third time and win the State Individual tournament at the 152 weight class.”
Tamang is pleased with how the team is approaching this season, and she is looking forward to seeing everyone do their best on the mat.
“I love the motivation, dedication and curiosity that’s brought to our team by our new wrestlers this year,” Tamang said. “I have never seen a team as ready and hungry as this year’s. Coach Deere has also been a factor in the eager atmosphere of our team; his determination to make Oxford wrestling reach heights this year definitely impacts the team’s attitude, and I myself am thrilled for how this season will turn out.”
