By Mitch Silver

Owen Hull, a stalwart two-way lineman for the Section semifinalist football Garnets, was named September’s Athlete of the Month by Rye High’s Athletic Department in association with the Rye Lions Club. Hannah Friedrich, goalie on the Rye Girls’ Soccer team that lost the Section championship in four overtimes, was named October’s winner.

“Both of these students are richly deserving of this honor,” said Rye Athletic Director Michael Aria in making the award. “Owen and Hannah represent the best of Rye High School.”

Owen, a two-sport standout throughout his high school career, was a captain and starting middle linebacker for Head Coach Dino Garr’s 7-3 squad. Named to All-Section teams in both his sophomore and junior seasons, he will probably be in line for similar honors now that his senior season has drawn to a close.

The Syracuse-bound senior is an even better lacrosse player. Named All-League ever since his freshman year, Owen took All-State honors as a sophomore and will captain the Garnets once again this spring. “It’s a great honor to be chosen for your leadership skills by your teammates. It’s an even bigger honor to be named a captain by two different varsity teams.”

Hannah Friedrich, a triplet whose siblings Lilly and Carl also played varsity soccer for Rye, was chosen for her spectacular work in the nets for Rich Savage’s 17-2-1 team. In the Section finals, Hannah made several crucial saves (on an injured leg!) to keep Pearl River off the scoreboard for all of regulation time and into the fourth OT before the Pirates netted the winner.

Lions Club award winners are chosen for their excellence on the field, in the classroom, and out in the community. Ensconced on the High Honor Roll her entire high school career, Hannah has won departmental awards in History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, English (three times), and, of course, Physical Education. The National Honor Society inductee hopes to attend Haverford College in the fall.

Both Owen and Hannah volunteer in the POTS (Part of the Solution) program that serves hot meals to needy residents in the Bronx. Owen also donates his time to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, and the two have spent summers teaching their respective sports to local kids.

The Lions Club honor qualifies Owen Hull and Hannah Friedrich to join future monthly winners in the race for Athlete of the Year.