Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Ryan Hudson

Leadership comes in many forms. Some leaders are vocal, verbally hyping teammates up or calling out directions to put their teammates in a position to win. Others choose to lead by example, modeling behaviors they hope their teammates recognize and imitate. Whatever method a leader uses, every coach and team in America finds little to no success without one. Head baseball coach Matt Engelhardt is fortunate to have found a leader in senior Ryan Hudson he can call on, and his teammates can look up to, in any situation, which is one of the reasons he is this week´s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Ryan started playing baseball at a very young age, transitioning to a travel team after being introduced by a coach at age 10. “My parents supported me when I took an interest in baseball, and I learned to develop a deep appreciation for the smaller parts of the game,” says Ryan.

That “push,” from parents Fred and Tina Hudson, was not so much baseball-related as it was helping teach Ryan to work within the framework of a team. “When Ryan and his siblings were young, we made the decision that we wanted them to get involved, whether it was sports, activities, or clubs,” said Fred and Tina. They go on to add, “Ryan loved the camaraderie and sense of being on a team.”

Camaraderie and a sense of belonging not only encouraged Ryan to improve his own game but helped him develop a high sense of character and leadership. “Ryan has always been an unselfish teammate,” said Fred and Tina. Adding, “He’s always one of the first people to give his teammates a high five when they come back to the dugout, whether it’s for something positive or helping to raise their spirit. He understands that you win as a team and you lose as a team.”

As a member of the baseball program, Ryan was elected as a captain this season, and head coach Matt Engelhardt understands exactly why. “Ryan was selected by his peers to serve as captain and is liked and respected by every single person he meets,” says Matt. He goes on to add, “Ryan leads by example in both words and actions. He does all of the little things teams need to do to win, whether it is playing-related or not. He is the first to the field to set up and the last to leave. He does it all with a smile, kind word, and a great attitude.”

Ryan’s unselfish nature and high character go beyond the diamond and into the classroom. Ryan’s physical education teacher, Pat Molinari, says, “Ryan is an outstanding young man that is a servant leader. He goes above and beyond for me, not only as a student but also as my teaching assistant. He has an unbelievable work ethic and desire to be successful and is truthfully one of the best students I have ever had. I hope my sons turn out the way this young man has, which is how much respect I have for him.”

Carrying a 4.4 G.P.A. and having earned a 1220 on the SAT, Ryan is committed to attending Augustana University and walking on to the baseball team. He has also decided to major in secondary education, hoping to become a history teacher and baseball coach after college. “I like working with people and I think having an opportunity to inspire a younger generation would be a really rewarding profession,” says Ryan.

Social studies teacher Sarah Radziewicz believes Ryan would excel as an educator and would be welcomed with open arms into the profession. “Ryan is going to make an incredible teacher because of his kindness, compassion, and dedication,” says Sarah. She goes on to say, “He is such a confident and personable individual who will build a positive environment for his future students. I know he will be successful in anything he chooses to do and it would be an honor to one day call him a colleague.”

For the season, the Wolves senior-laden baseball team struggled a bit out of the gate, but the coaches and players both believe they have the talent and leadership to right the ship and make a deep run in the IHSA playoffs. Ryan will undoubtedly continue excelling in whatever role he is called upon, whether that is being asked to pitch, play the corner infield spots, the outfield, or do everything he can to help lead and inspire his teammates.

This future educator and leader hope future Wolves will, “Enjoy the moment while you are here because it goes by really fast.” Ryan and his teammates, who had a season taken from them a year ago, understand this more than most, and after yesterday’s win over Yorkville are confident they are well on their way to creating a moment this postseason they will remember for a lifetime.