OXFORD – A prestigious wrestling tournament that has seen three NCAA Division-I Champions and more than 50 Section IV and New York State Champions in action over the 57 years of existence happens right here Chenango County to kick off every wrestling season.

The 2019 Clyde Cole Tournament, hosted by the Oxford Rotary Club and Oxford Academy and Central School, will see just as much talent over the course of two days – Friday evening and all day Saturday – at the high school gymnasium.

Once the action begins on Friday at 5 p.m., 14 programs from both near and far will battle for the team trophy as well as each wrestler looks to take home the first place medal and the favored Clyde Cole Champions jacket.

Along with medals handed out to the first, second and third place finishers, an Outstanding Wrestler plaque that is voted on by Coaches and referees will be awarded at the end of the tournament. Also to be handed out to individuals are the Pin award (most pins in the shortest time), the Director’s plaque (champion with least amount of points scored against), and the Sportsmanship award (wrestler who displays the best qualities of sportsmanship).

However, the Clyde Cole Tournament is more than just wrestling.

Beyond the action that takes place on several mats, there is the behind the scenes work that goes into the weekend full of wrestling that most don’t know about.