Although the Oakville Senior High School wrestling team went 1-6 last weekend at the Missouri Duals Tournament, Tigers head coach Brett Lieberoff believes that it was a good learning experience for his young squad.

Oakville’s lone win of the tournament came in a 27-26 decision over Columbia-Hickman.

“There were some really good teams down there and they exploited our weaknesses,” Lieberoff said. “With our team being so young, I didn’t expect anything huge out of us.”

Oakville seniors Nick Sieron and John Thomas racked up records of 6-1 each with sophomore Brett Carrigan going 5-2 at the Missouri Duals.

Sieron wrestles at 135 pounds and is someone who’s been coming on strong in the first few weeks of the 2008-2009 season.

“Nick’s really been battling this year and is really starting to come on strong,” Lieberoff said. “He’s been doing a really good job for us and he’ll get better throughout the year.”

Thomas competes at 140 pounds and has been dealing with a nagging shoulder injury from last season, which has hampered him.

“John had a shoulder injury last year and he’s still battling with it,” Lieberoff said. “He’s one of those kids that constantly is in your face and hopefully he can keep this going.”

Carrigan also was solid throughout the weekend with two of his losses being by just one point.

“Brett lost two of his matches by just one point,” the Oakville coach said. “One of those losses was to a state finalist from last season.”

The Tigers are back in action this Friday and Saturday at the Mascoutah (Ill.) Invitational.

“This is actually our third year at the Mascoutah tournament,” Lieberoff said.

“It’s run a lot like the state tournament with a 16-wrestler bracket format. It’s a tough tournament and we should see some good competition over there.”