By Nedaat Masiat ’26
For the first time since 2016, the Derby/Oxford/Holy Cross (DOHC) wrestling team has flipped the script, finishing the season with a winning record of nine wins and six losses. After nine long seasons of struggles, the team’s perseverance and dedication have finally paid off.
Under the leadership of head coach Buster Jadach, the team focused on conditioning, technique, and mental toughness, which all tied into the crucial difference made on the team this year. “We knew we had the talent, but it was about putting in the work, believing in ourselves, and making every match count,” said Sean Franco ‘25, a two-year wrestler who contributed to the team’s success.
This season was full of standout performances, including thrilling victories against schools like Nonnewaug and Terryville. Wrestlers like Holy Cross’s Anthony Shivas ‘25 absolutely dominated their weight classes, and the team’s underclassmen stepped up when it mattered most.
For many of the seniors, the winning season was a culmination of years of hard work. “We’ve been working toward this for so long, to finally get to this point means everything,” said Savion Gaywood ‘25.
While the team will be losing a lot of its vital parts, with the graduating seniors, the wrestling program is on the rise, and many are hopeful that they will build on this success in years to come. As the season wraps up, one thing is for certain: DOHC wrestling is back.
The Raider Press 