Described as a team leader and program cornerstone, McAlester High School senior Kenneth Carter will continue his wrestling career at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa after signing Tuesday.
“He’s been a great leader and just an overall great human being,” coach Kydel Billy said. “We don’t win a district title without Kenny Carter because when kids wanted to give up, he was the voice and helped us build the program.”
Carter helped take the Buffaloes program to an undefeated season and its first district title in 35 years. Additionally, he finished as state runner-up in the 157-pound division, topping his third-place finish his junior season.
Billy had high praise for Carter, saying that while he is sad that Carter will be moving on to the next chapter of his life, he knows Carter will have a successful collegiate career. He also added that he hopes Carter will stay involved with the McAlester program and even become a coach some day.
“It’s sad to see him go, but I’m excited for him and I want to see him become a great wrestler,” Billy said. “I would love it if he came back and became an assistant coach and maybe somebody I could pass the reins to when I’m done.”
Mavericks coach Bryan Kenney took an interest in Carter early in his high school career despite the NOC wrestling program only being reinstated in the fall of 2024. Carter said he had a mutual liking of the coaching staff and specifically liked the family atmosphere the program fostered.
“(Bryan’s) a really good guy and I like the team, I like the culture and I like the small town vibe, so that’s why I signed with them,” Carter said.
Carter said his time wrestling for McAlester was unforgettable, adding that the friendships and bonds between his teammates and coaches is something he hopes to never lose.
“I’m really grateful to wrestle for McAlester,” Carter said. “We’ve created a brotherhood that we’ll never lose no matter what, so that’s what I’m really grateful for.”
