Nine Rye High School scholar-athletes were honored during the 14^th annual Lions Club Athlete of the Year Ceremony, held June 11 at The Osborn. Track star Taylor Love was chosen Athlete of the Year by a vote of RHS students.

 

By Melanie Cane

Nine Rye High School scholar-athletes were honored during the 14^th annual Lions Club Athlete of the Year Ceremony, held June 11 at The Osborn. Track star Taylor Love was chosen Athlete of the Year by a vote of RHS students.

 

The dinner, which included the students’ families and coaches, celebrated accomplishments on and off the field.

David Heller, Lions Club secretary/treasurer was once again master of ceremonies. Heller said the annual dinner is one of his favorite nights of the year. Rye City School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Shine called sports “an integral part of the educational process,” saying they prepare the athletes for challenges after high school. Also participating in the awards presentation were Lions Club President Robert vanderWater, and his successor, Susan Olson.

 

The guest speaker was former New York Knicks Coach Mike D’Antoni who stressed the value of commitment and perseverance at the pro level.

 

In addition to Love, this year’s Lions Club Athletes of the Month were: Scott Hanley, Jeff Dempsey, Kelly McRedmond, Ryan Rogers, Grace Leishman, Jennifer Lee, Annie Van Wagenen, and Kamal Narayanamurti-Logue.

 

Love plans to run at Bowdoin College. He was the top cross-country runner in Westchester County last fall and among the best in the state. Athletic trainer Theresa Pusateri called Love “a true champion. He’s a natural who thrives on improving.’’ Love is one of the top two distance runners ever at Rye High, she said.

 

“He has achieved a status of respect and fear among his peers as a formidable competitor with an unbelievable finishing kick which has become his trademark,’’ Pusateri said. “He has been extremely coachable and seems more interested in helping the team in any way possible than he does in chasing records. He will be missed next year for his leadership and friendship, but not for always being the last one on the bus.”

 

Indoors, Love broke the class record for the 1600-meter run and helped to break the school record in two relays.

 

Outdoors, Love broke the class record in the 1600-meter run as a junior as well as the class and RHS record in the 800-meter run as a senior. He also was a part of relay teams that broke four school records in spring track.

 

Love said he was thrilled to win the trophy. “It is such an honor, especially because it came from my peers.’’ He added, “I was giddy all the way home from the dinner!”

Photo by Lisa Dempsey