By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Buffalo coach Nick Whetzell values the presence of seniors Peyton Altic, Aiden Patrick, Connor Smith and Case Obernuefemann among the Bison’s group of six returnees from last season.
“I have high expectations for our quartet of seniors,” Whetzell said. “All have gained significant varsity experience and have shown the ability to wrestle really well at times.”
Altic and Patrick are both state contenders. The two will rotate between 157 and 165 pounds.
“Peyton was a bubble-match kid last year and will look to kick that door down this year,” Whetzell said. “Aiden is an athlete and now a third-year wrestler who we think has the capability to be at the state tournament.”
Smith, a 170-pounder, is in comeback mode, after missing almost all of his junior season due to an early-season injury.
“Connor has the potential to take his wrestling to a different level this year and our staff hopes he will do so,” Whetzell said.
Obernuefemann, at 132 or 138, brings to the Bison mixed-martial arts training experience and endless energy.
“Case loves to be in the room and learning what he can do to make himself better,” Whetzell said. “We will look for Case to scrap all year long and make great improvements that could punch his ticket to the state tournament.”
Also back for Buffalo are junior Jobe Losinger at 170 and sophomore Parker Darnell at 165 or 170.
Freshmen joining the Bison are led by Dylan Gonzalez, Lucas Fletcher and Tyler Valma.
“All three had great summers and have the ability to make an instant impact,” Whetzell said.
Other freshmen who have impressed Whetzell with their work ethic are Cody Spurlock, Gavin Silipino, Gradden Higgans, Austan Higgans, Damien Palafox and William Foree.
“Several of these guys will compete for a lot of varsity time,” Whetzell said.
Whetzell is optimistic about the Bison’s prospects.
“We should be able to fill more weights than we have in a long time, and with many guys that have some experience.” he said. “We will have to battle some things that come with being young in a lot of spots. But we have tough kids that I believe are up to answer the challenge. I think our youth will keep energy in the room and having four seniors will help gear that energy in the right direction.”
On the girls side, Buffalo’s headliner is junior Makayla Altic, a 130-pounder who made state last season.
“Makayla has wrestled extremely tough as a freshman and sophomore,” Whetzell said. “We look for continued growth and a push to be on the state podium this year.”
Aja Watson, also a junior, could be in for a breakout season at 135, after an injury-hindered sophomore season. She has lost at the bubble-match round at districts each of the past two seasons.
“Aja is probably the most technically experienced wrestler in the room,” Whetzell said. “Aja battled back from a fractured arm last year that sidelined her from mid-December up until districts. I believe she is a state podium-type wrestler and we look forward to her making that leap.”
Whetzell also has high hopes for junior Carly Smith at 145.
“Carly is very aggressive and tough,” Whetzell said. “She has grown each year and has shown the ability to win tough matches. Carly could make a big impact and possibly punch a state ticket.”
A fourth junior, Shaylee Gann, returns at 110 or 115.
Buffalo will feature many new faces throughout its lineup.
“We have a whole list of newcomers that can make an impact,” Whetzell said. “Shelby Samek is an all-state track athlete that got to work this summer and is learning (wrestling). We look to her to show big improvement by the end of the season. Other newcomers include Makenzie Klapp, Olivia Ross, Allie Hicks and Adrienne Webb. They are all freshmen that made great strides in middle school and we hope will get on board with our juniors and learn and grow each and every day.”
Whetzell likes the mix of veterans and newcomers the Lady Boson have.
“Things for the girls team are looking good,” Whetzel said. “We have the four returners that should lead the way in the day-to-day activities and be encouraging for the incoming freshman and other newcomers.
“I think all of our newcomers have the ability to be of impact, as we have many open weights,” he added. “This looks to be the biggest girls team I have had and all of them have some wrestling experience.”
For both the boys and girls teams, Whetzell was pleased with their off-season work ethic.
“Our big accomplishment in the off-season was the consistency we showed for practices and getting in the weight room,” he said. “This was the most consistent we have been from April-October in my time here. Those that truly put in more work, we believe, will see more rewards than those that haven’t.”
Buffalo will entertain Clinton and Rogersville in an assembly/dual Dec. 5. The Bison and Lady Bison will also serve as hosts for the first-ever Mid-Lakes Conference Tournament Jan. 8.
“It is always great to showcase our kids in front of the home supporters,” Whetzell said.