Mexico Tigers Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 enshrined during ceremony
Mexico Academy & Central School District celebrated the newest members of the Mexico Tigers Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 11, with this year’s honorees recognized ahead of the Tigers’ home football game against Chittenango.
Three individual former student-athletes and two legendary Tiger teams were inducted, representing some truly remarkable accomplishments in Mexico sports history, said MACS Director of Health, PE & Athletics Andrew Gates.
Following the pregame recognition, the ceremony continued inside Mexico High School, where the accomplishments and contributions of this year’s inductees were highlighted.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class included three distinguished Mexico alumni - Theo Powers ’16, Benjamin Ariola ’07 and Trevor Allard ’15 - along with two championship-caliber teams: the 2004–05 Varsity Boys Basketball Team and the 2014–15 Varsity Wrestling Team.
“From individual state champions and collegiate athletes to teams that made history, these inductees demonstrated excellence, dedication and an incredible commitment to their teammates and the Mexico community,” said Gates. “We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the lasting legacy they have left for future generations of Tigers.”
Theo Powers, Class of 2016
Powers was a standout wrestler for the Tigers from 2010–16, finishing his high school career with 224 victories - currently second all-time in Mexico history. He recorded 114 wins by pin or technical fall, which ranks fifth in school history.
A three-time Section 3 champion, Powers was a four-time state place finisher and became a New York State champion in 2015 at 113 pounds. That same year, he also helped the team win the New York State Division 2 team title.
Powers continued his wrestling career at Brown University, competing at the Division I level. Coaches described him as self-driven, determined and relentless in his craft, while also highlighting the work ethic and leadership he brought to his teammates.
Benjamin Ariola, Class of 2007
Ariola was a three-sport standout in soccer, basketball and tennis during his Mexico career.
A four-year varsity soccer player, Ariola was named team MVP in 2005 and 2006 and earned first-team all-league honors both seasons. He was also named MVP during the 2006 Exceptional Senior Game.
On the basketball court, Ariola helped the 2004–05 team advance to the State Final Four. He was named team MVP and earned second-team all-league honors during the 2005–06 season before earning first-team all-league recognition and another team MVP award as a senior. He averaged 13 points per game and tied a school record with nine 3-pointers in a single game.
Ariola also earned team MVP honors in tennis during his junior and senior seasons and won the Section 3 Class A championship at second singles as a senior.
Coaches described Ariola as one of the most competitive players to wear orange and black, noting his poise, confidence and positive attitude both in competition and in life.
Trevor Allard, Class of 2015
Allard built an outstanding six-year varsity wrestling career at Mexico, including three years as team captain. He finished with 223 victories, 106 of which came by pin or technical fall, and captured 15 individual tournament championships.
In 2014, Allard became a New York State champion at 160 pounds. The following year, he finished as the state runner-up at 170 pounds and earned National Wrestling Coaches Association All-American honors twice.
Allard continued his wrestling career at Bloomsburg University on a four-year scholarship at the NCAA Division I level. He finished his collegiate career with 96 victories, served as a team captain and became an NCAA Tournament qualifier.
Beyond his accomplishments on the mat, Allard was recognized for his commitment to academics, his teammates and the wrestling community, including working with younger athletes through the Pee Wee Wrestling Club.
2004–05 Varsity Boys Basketball Team
The 2004–05 Mexico Varsity Boys Basketball Team put together one of the most successful seasons in school history, finishing with a 24–3 record, including 12 consecutive victories and a 7–0 start.
Led by Head Coach Paul Callaghan and Assistant Coach Andy Chamberlain, the Tigers captured the Section III Championship with a thrilling victory over Jamesville-DeWitt. Mexico then defeated Massena and Burnt Hills to claim the Regional Championship and earn the program’s first-ever trip to the State Final Four.
At the State Final Four, Mexico defeated Batavia in overtime before falling to Peekskill in the Class A State Championship game.
The team also established a school record with 237 3-pointers during the season.
Team members were Kyle Reuter, Joe Meyer, Kevin Fowler, Eric Francis, Ben Ariola, Brandon Power, Brian Duel, Mike Forbes, Luke Davis, Chad Nearbin and TJ Nash.
2014–15 Varsity Wrestling Team
The 2014–15 Varsity Wrestling Team compiled a 14–5 overall record and went 5–0 in dual meets to capture the OHSL Freedom League championship.
The Tigers won the Section 3 Dual Meet Tournament Championship, defeating Liverpool in the semifinals before topping Adirondack in the finals. The team also captured the Section 3 Division 2 Tournament Championship.
The season culminated with Mexico winning the New York State Division 2 Team Tournament Championship following a strong showing at the state tournament.
Team members included Derick Gracey, Dean Shambo, Austin O'Reilly, Jared Gates, Austin Reed, Hunter Howland, Brent Sawyer, Curtis Dimon, Theo Powers, Austin Whitney, Jacob Woolson, Tyler Allard, Mason Larkin, Mitchell Shambo, Trevor Allard, Jason Bond, Jay Kisselstein and Brandon Gracey. Coaches were Bill Kays and Tim Allers.