The UW Oshkosh wrestling season is just getting underway. The team is entering it’s second week of the season, wrapping up the 15th annual Dan Gable Open this past Saturday.
The team had a fairly good showing at the UW-Stevens Point Pointer Open on Saturday, Nov. 4. They did, however, fall to UW-Whitewater 27-11 on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
At the Dan Gable Open, Oshkosh had another very good showing, emerging with a champion and multiple top three finishes. Titans head coach Efrain Ayala said UWO’s performance on Saturday was strong, and that the Titans are looking forward to the upcoming season.
“The team did a great job competing at the Gable [Open],” Ayala said. “We took notes and are already working on ways to improve. It is far too early to pass judgment on any of the performances. At the same time, it is early enough to make major changes in order to put each guy in a place to succeed.”
Ayala also mentioned Colten Cashmore, who competed in the 184-lb. weight class at the Open. Cashmore, a junior this year, came out of Gable as the champion of his weight class.
To become the 184-lb. class champion, Cashmore had to go up against his teammate, sophomore Juwon Anderson. Cashmore said it requires overcoming a mental struggle when facing a teammate.
“Going up against a teammate is something that I think all wrestlers dread,” Cashmore said. “You wrestle against each other all the time in practice, and you become close with them. They are your brothers, and you always want them to take first, too. But when it comes down to it you have to fend for yourself and prepare yourself as you would any other match and still follow and execute your game plan.”
Among the many Titans who placed in the upper half of their weight class, freshman Jordan Lemcke made it to the 197-lb. championship match. Lemcke has been doing quite well this season, but fell short on Saturday with a decision of 6-2.
Lemcke has been very focused so far this season, and he said his off-season preparation was key to looking forward to his first college season.
“My focus during the offseason was getting stronger and staying in shape,” Lemcke said. “I’m looking forward to getting better and continuing to learn more.”
The Titans now look forward to Saturday, Nov. 18, as they head to UW-Eau Claire to compete in the Chancellor’s Cup.
The Titans are just getting their season underway, and Ayala said he is looking forward to this early part of the season. He said there are certain aspects he’s looking for from the team as the season progresses.
“I am looking for the team to come together individually and as a team for one common goal,” Ayala said. “I am expecting the leaders to lead and the newcomers to claim their territory. The beginning of the season is an exciting time; as wrestlers jockey for position. I adjust every day from the results of the previous day. We need to be flexible and ready to adapt.”
