MCALESTER BUFFALOES WRESTLING
Coach: Kydel Billy
OUTLOOK
McAlester wrestling closed the season with the kind of toughness and togetherness that had defined this senior-heavy group from the start, turning their long-anticipated “one last ride together” into a standard-setting run for the program. Led by head coach Kydel Billy, the Buffaloes rode a core that had been with him for six years, translating that shared history into a winter marked by big dual wins, postseason berths and a culture that now feels firmly embedded in the wrestling room. Built on work, trust and accountability, this group delivered on the promise it showed back when many of them were just learning the basics.
At the center of it all was senior leader Cayden Rose, whose rise from a losing record as a freshman to a dependable force in the upper weights became the program’s defining story. Rose’s reputation as a lead-by-example captain showed up every day in practice and under the lights on match night, where he routinely took on tough assignments and found ways to come through for his team. He grew into the standard in the room, the one younger wrestlers watched for cues on how to train, how to compete and how to respond when things did not go his way. His willingness to invest in teammates as much as his own success helped shape the identity of this senior class.
Joining him in the upper weights was emerging standout Nathan Rampey, whose successful move from 165 to 215 pounds gave McAlester a powerful presence at the back end of the lineup. Rampey embraced the physical challenge of the jump, using his size, strength and improving technique to put up key wins in duals and tournaments alike. His growth over the course of the season reflected the broader trajectory of the program: unafraid to take on something harder, confident that the work would pay off. That mindset helped fuel the Buffaloes’ postseason push and set expectations for those who will follow.
Underclassman to watch Edwin Navejar spent the year sharpening his skills inside that competitive environment, positioning himself as one of the wrestlers most likely to carry the standard forward. As the seniors made their final push, Navejar absorbed lessons about preparation, resilience and composure that cannot be replicated without live varsity action. Character remained a cornerstone of the roster, embodied by athletes like Silas McCraw, whose reliability and willingness to step up whenever needed mirrored the accountability the coaching staff demands. Together, they ensured that this season will be remembered not just for its results, but for the foundation it leaves behind.
