CATO - Jason Brown won Cato-Meridian's first ever state championship in wrestling this year. A celebration was in store although it wasn't just his alma mater that was doing the honoring.

All students in the Cato-Meridian district were bused into the middle school Thursday afternoon to celebrate Brown's title. During the ceremony, Sen. David Valeski took centerstage and presented Brown with a certificate that honored the championship.

The 215-pound senior won the title at the New York State Wrestling Championships Feb. 25 with a 5-4 decision over Salem's Dan Randall. It was Brown's first. trip to states.

Brown has wrestled as a Blue Devil since seventh grade and is one of the program's most winningest athletes. He finished this season with a 36-1 record.

Cato-Meridian athletic director Betsy Hayden said it was important to have all the district's students present when Senator Valeski presented Brown with the award.

“We want to have all the students there to see Jason be honored,” Hayden said. “It's a nice way to show the kids that hard work can lead to success.”