Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week - Ryan Fluke

Some leaders are loud, demanding, and recognizable by any spectator taking in an event. Others remain quiet, vigilant, and are revered by their teammates for the steady role they play on the team. Senior Ryan Fluke falls into the latter category, but don’t mistake his quiet mentality for weakness. Ryan is a fiery competitor who was recently named an all-conference cross country runner for the second time, and his quiet tenacity has earned him the distinction of being student athlete of the week.

Cross country is a sport that is demanding in every facet, whether in practice or competition. Despite any weather condition and at any time of day, one can find runners outside putting in their work. Ryan calls this challenge “the best and worst thing” about cross country, and therein lays his competitive nature. The difficulty of the sport and seeing his hard work pay off is what drives him to stay competitive.

Ryan’s demeanor is perfect to lead such an intrinsically competitive sport. His mother, Kim Phalen, describes him as having “...become more confident, responsible, and competitive” during his tenure in the program. She goes on to say that Ryan, “Likes to help people and is patient.” Head cross country coach James Milner echoes those sentiments by saying, “[Ryan] is a quiet leader who leads by example.”

Looking at Ryan’s schedule, his ability to take things in stride and not become over anxious is a major benefit. Besides running double session practices, going to cross country meets, and holding down a part time job, he is also taking a full course load that includes advanced placement (AP) calculus, AP Biology, and Honors Humanities. Ryan also manages to maintain a 3.72 G.P.A. and scored a 29 on the ACT.

Based on Ryan’s academic credentials, he has many choices when it comes to choosing his path at the college level. Ryan is hoping to major in physical therapy, as well as participate in cross country and track at Grand Valley State University. His AP Biology teacher, Scott Johnson, imagines Ryan being very successful as a physical therapist. “Ryan will be successful in any future career he chooses,” says Johnson. He adds, “[Ryan] is passionate about life and that will carry him through all of his future endeavors.”

Ryan’s growth did not come overnight. It took hard work, both in the classroom and in competition, for Ryan to grow into a role model and leader. “He is very dedicated and has matured as a leader,” says Milner. Milner goes on to say, “As expectations have increased, Ryan has been able to improve with them.” His mother Kim can testify to Ryan’s leadership being an asset around the house declaring, “[Ryan] is genuine in what he says and does, puts family and friends first, and is a good role model for his younger sister Kristen.”

Although we at East will be saying goodbye to Ryan after this spring, he no doubt will find success in all his future endeavors. As someone who has learned to become a leader, Ryan advises future wolves to “Get involved, and do as much as you can. Also, don’t slack off your freshmen year.” Although, his words of wisdom are as simplistic as his leadership style, future wolves would be wise to heed his advice.