Athlete of the week is Wantagh's Dybus

The feat

Tossed a five-hitter, striking out five and walking one in the Long Island Class A championship at Farmingdale State on June 6. He retired 11 of the last 13 batters in Wantagh's 9-2 victory. Dybus added two RBIs for the Warriors in their 7-2 win in the Nassau Class A championship at Farmingdale State on June 1. He was pitcher a one-hitter going into the seventh inning. Dybus is 9-1 this season with a 1.50 ERA and is hitting over .400.

The quote

"I sat and threw strikes and the field made awesome plays at LICs," Dybus said. "Going into the game we knew we needed a big win to make it up to states."

Fundamentals

Dybus has played baseball since he was 4, and became a pitcher at age 10. He has played for two summer teams. Finding his strength in pitching, he hopes to work on his fielding and believes that it is important to be an all-around player. When Dybus is on the mound he says he tries to clear his mind, claiming that it is best to focus by not thinking about anything.

What's next

Dybus pitched a complete game in the state semifinals Saturday as Wantagh defeated Lakeland, 2-1, at Union-Endicott High School. He threw a three-hitter, allowed just one unearned run and had eight strikeouts and one walk. It was the first time that the Warriors qualified for states since 1998. Dybus will be playing baseball for either Albany or Oneonta next year.

The lightning round

Favorite baseball memory? "This, right now," Dybus said.

Favorite TV show? "Spongebob, Squarepants."

What's on your iPod? "Real Big Fish."

Favorite subject? Science.

Favorite food? Pizza.

Favorite season? Summer.

Favorite sports team? The Mets.

Favorite place to vacation? Hawaii.

Dream car? Viper.

Dream Job? MLB.