Throughout his Mexico varsity career, Ron Majerus was tough to take down.

That was true both on the football field and on the wrestling mat.

As a running back for the Tigers’ football team, he set the school’s rushing record, wrapping up his career with a fantastic senior season. He finished with 1,402 rushing yards (8.7 yards per carry) and 19 touchdowns. The team’s offensive MVP, he also earned first-team all-league honors and honorable mention on the All-CNY team.

In wrestling, Majerus chalked up his third consecutive Section III championship and placed at the state tournament for the third year in a row. Again, he was a team MVP.

At the school’s annual Block M Banquet, Majerus received two additional prestigious awards. He won the Edward Albright Jr. Memorial Award for demonstrating teamwork and leadership qualities, and the Lawrence “Sparky” Rector Athlete of the Year Award.

Now, he has been named The Palladium-Times Male Athlete of the Year.

In football, the Tigers’ last home game is one of Majerus’ favorite memories. “I broke the school rushing record. That was real hard,” he said. “I wanted to get that so bad. I almost didn’t play this year because I wanted to focus on wrestling, but my friends convinced me to play, and I’m glad I did.”

Majerus was part of the group which help Mexico’s program achieve new heights, including playoff spots the past two years.

“Since we were in middle school, we’ve been working and trying to turn the program around. I think we did,” Majerus said.

A huge road win at East Syracuse-Minoa was one highlight this season. “That was one of the most gratifying ones. That was good for our team. It brought our morale up,” Majerus said.

In wrestling, Majerus put together a distinguished career for Coach Bill Kays’ team. Majerus was Section III’s best three years in a row, and helped Mexico to many championships. He placed second, third, and fifth at the state tournament.

His fondest wrestling memory goes back to his first varsity match, when he was in seventh grade.

“We do the light show and everything. That was pretty fun. My heart was pumping 100 miles an hour,” he said.

At Mexico, Majerus was part of the school’s proud wrestling tradition.

“I’m honored to have been a part of that,” he said. “Not many schools can say they’ve been that good for that long. When you go out there, you know you have to do well because you can’t let Mexico down.”

Kays said he is proud to have coached Majerus.

“He’s been a great kid for six years for me, and a captain for four years. I’m really pleased that he’s getting this award,” Kays said. “Ron is not only an outstanding athlete, but a very good student, and he’s a nice kid.”

The son of Ron and Tina Majerus, Ron’s athletic success goes back to his days in youth programs.

He started playing football at age 6 in the Central Square Pop Warner program. “We won lots of championships,” he said. “Those are some good memories.”

In wrestling, Majerus came up through the Mexico youth ranks. He gives a lot of credit to peewee coach Todd Tyldesley and Kays for his wrestling progress.

Majerus has earned a scholarship to attend the University of Buffalo and wrestle for the Bulls’ NCAA Division I program. He will major in physical therapy.

On the wrestling team, he will join former Mexico teammate Kevin Smith, and his roommate will be Tiger teammate Tyler Peter.

“I’m excited,” he said. “I’m just hoping to break into the starting lineup as a freshman. It’s hard to do, but I’m going to try.”