Steve McMahon-Co-Student Athlete of the Week

     Because of young people’s misguided attempts to “specialize” in one sport early in life, three sport varsity athletes have become virtually extinct.  As a result, Oswego East senior Steve McMahon is like a dinosaur amongst the living as he competes in track, plays defensive line for the football team, and is also East’s starting heavyweight wrestler.  Being a three sport athlete requires endurance, mental fortitude, and a drive for success, all of which is why Steve is our Co-Student athlete of the week.

     Steve initially joined wrestling his sophomore year as a way to keep in shape between football and track.  As he began training and wrestling other athletes, what began as a simple interest turned into a serious passion.  “I like the one on one competitiveness of wrestling, but I also love that it’s a team sport,” says McMahon.  He continues by saying “I love knowing that if my team is down a few points I can make up that difference.”  Head coach Michael Jezioro loves Steve’s attitude and willingness to improve every day.  “[Steve] has improved leaps and bounds over the last couple of years.  This has not only helped him in football but also has made him into a successful wrestler,” says Jezioro.

     Steve enjoys working with numbers and attacking problems that have finite answers.  “Steve works well with his fellow classmates,” says Brandy Gossett, Steve’s Pre-Calculus teacher.  Gossett continued by saying “[Steve] is very happy when he gets difficult problems correct, and manages to help others out after completing his own work.” 

     Steve’s willingness to get involved and help others will serve him well as he pursues a degree in criminal justice at either Elmhurst or Aurora University.  Steve also plans to stay active and play on the football team at whichever school he chooses.  As far as advice to future wolves, Steve says “Do well in school so you can attend the college of your choice, and always give your hardest, especially in conditioning, so you can improve as an athlete.”