Building a Legacy: The Vision of Lexington High's Wrestling Program

As the new wrestling season approaches, the atmosphere at Lexington High is buzzing with anticipation. Head coach Michael MacKay, a former wrestler for the school himself, is leading a program with a clear vision: to build not just great athletes, but great people. While the team faces the challenge of a new conference and the departure of key seniors, MacKay remains optimistic, focusing on the talent that remains and the strong foundation of his coaching staff.

The team has a few big shoes to fill this year. They've said goodbye to Leviathan Haynes, a fourth-place state finisher, and Dawson Bellfield, a state qualifier. Coach MacKay acknowledges that these are significant losses, but he is confident in the wrestlers stepping up to fill their spots. The returning roster is a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Among the top returners are Omar Orillia Reyes, who narrowly missed a trip to the state tournament last year and has been training with the cross-country team to improve his conditioning. Joining him are Kyle White, a football player who was one match away from state, and Demetrious Allen, a senior with a remarkable 75 wins already to his name. Allen is returning to the mat after a rotator cuff injury, and his experience will be a huge asset.

On the girls' side, the team lost its first-ever female state qualifier, Paige Lop. However, Coach MacKay is excited about the potential of his returning athletes. Kaluna, who has been with the program since she was a third grader, is a two-time all-conference wrestler. She is expected to make a significant impact in her junior year. The team also welcomes a new face, Hasten, a transfer from Oak Grove. Despite being new to the sport, Hasten is a highly physical wrestler who trains with a state champion club, and Coach MacKay hopes to see her bring that high-level practice experience to the team.

Coach MacKay's own journey to becoming a coach is deeply rooted in his love for the sport and his community. He credits former coaches Jaylen Barry and Martin for shaping him. While Barry taught him the fundamentals of wrestling, it was Coach Martin who instilled in him a sense of pride in representing Lexington. That pride has guided him ever since, starting from when he volunteered as an assistant after graduating and eventually taking over the head coaching position in 2015.

His program's success is not just a result of his efforts. Coach MacKay is quick to praise his coaching staff, which he calls the "best coaches" he's ever had. Among them are two of his former wrestlers, Abraham and Alberto Vargas Perez, both of whom were state placers in high school before going on to wrestle in college. They have returned to the program, coaching at the middle and high school levels, creating a cohesive system that flows from top to bottom.

Beyond the victories and the state qualifiers, MacKay's biggest goal is to make a lasting impact on his athletes. He sees wrestling as a sport that teaches resilience and prepares young men and women to face life's challenges. "It helps them face adversity that I think will carry on for the rest of their life," he says. The sport, he believes, builds character, instills discipline, and creates "lifelong friends and lifelong memories."

Looking ahead, the program has several key dates on the calendar. An Alumni Night is scheduled for December 10, a day that will also feature a men's and women's quad meet. On December 20, the team will host a tournament in honor of Mr. West, a former athletic director and principal at Lexington High School, a tradition now in its sixth year.

Ultimately, Coach MacKay's message to the community is simple: give wrestling a chance. He promises a program that builds character and prepares young people for a future where they can overcome any obstacle. For Michael MacKay and his team, wrestling is more than just a sport—it's a journey of self-discovery, fueled by hard work, dedication, and the unwavering belief that a true champion is forged on the mat, and in life.