ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Lucas Friss

The East County Observer and Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient’s article will be featured on the restaurant’s wall.

The Out-of-Door Academy junior Lucas Friss pitched a complete game, allowing three runs on 10 hits while striking out eight in the Thunder’s 4-3 victory over district rival St. Stephen’s March 25. Friss also reached base seven times this week, scoring six runs and stealing three bases. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

How does it feel to beat St. Stephen’s?
We completed the sweep, so I’m happy about that. It was closer then it needed to be, but it was a good game. I’m happy we got the win.

How long have you been playing baseball?
I’ve been playing ever since I can remember. When I was a toddler, my dad got me a big plastic yellow bat. I started young, and I haven’t stopped.

Would you rather be on the mound or at the plate?
On the mound. I’ve been pitching for a while now, and I’m really comfortable on the mound.

Do you have a favorite baseball team?
The Yankees. My whole family is from New York.

How did you get the nickname Scooter?
There was this former player Phil Rizzuto, who was an announcer. My dad was listening to him before I was born, and my dad nicknamed me that. It’s a weird nickname, but it kind of stuck.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to fly. It’d be pretty cool to have a bird’s-eye view of everything and to be able to avoid traffic. It’d be convenient.

What’s your favorite subject?
Biology — especially genetics. It’s going to be a real eye-opening subject in the next couple of years. We’ve only reached the tip of the iceberg with what we know now.

What was your favorite cartoon show growing up?
“Ed, Edd, n Eddy.” It was just something I watched routinely.