High school graduation is a special time in most people's lives, and what can make that even more special is receiving recognition for your hard work and determination.
This year’s Grants High School male Athlete of the Year is Larry Meador.
When asked how he felt when he found out he was AOY Meador responded, “It feels good! I was honored to receive Athlete of the Year.”
For Meador, an allstate and all-district linebacker on the Pirates football team as well as a top Pirate wrestler, motivation is a key factor in his success. “My motivation is I always strive to get better everyday---I have to make myself better for my teammates,” said Meador “I want to get the best I can be for my brothers that depend on me to do my job.”
Meador believes his talents are “thinking quickly on his feet” and he also believes he can read other players' body language well. Those talents have helped him earn honors in football and wrestling his two primary sports.
One example of that is an October 17th football game against a tough district rival, St. Pius, the coaching staff made Meador “Player of the Game” for his tough defense which included double digit tackles, several tackles for a loss and 2 sacks.
Meador finished the year with 7 sacks and 104 tackles.
Meador will remember from his senior football season that the team made it to the state playoffs and that he was also selected to play in the prestigious Red and Green All Star football game. In addition, he was selected first team all-district linebacker and second team all-state linebacker as well as Pirate linebacker of the year.
Meador also competed successfully in wrestling, where he made the state wrestling tournament in 4A for a third year in a row. He placed third at the 2024 4A state wrestling tournament in the 145-pound weight class. “I was able to place higher than I have in my previous years at state,” said Meador of his achievement. “I also made a lifetime of friendships there [wrestling].”
Meador advised future athletes, “Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are too small—be willing to put in the work,” said Meador “...and go out there and give your all every time– strive to be one percent better every day…it’s never about you it’s about your team.”
Meador accepted a scholarship to play football at New Mexico Highlands University in the Autumn. He also plans on walking on to the wrestling team. Off the gridiron and wrestling mat, Meador is an avid outdoorsman. He plans on completing a degree in Criminal Justice and pursuing a career as a game Warden.