About the Author – Ella Hippel

I talked to senior Ethan Rice about conditioning, the best play of his career, and more.

Ella: How long have you been playing football and in what ways has it influenced your life?

Ethan: I started sophomore year and I’ve played sophomore, junior and senior year. I’ve played pretty much every sport, you know baseball, soccer, everything and I’d say this has been the most impactful because of teammates and the brotherhood we have. To me it’s the best sport. Obviously it’s physical and you’ve got to be a good athlete but I think you get the most out of football.

Ella: What’s the best play you’ve ever made?

Ethan: It was a while ago, but it was my first year so I was a sophomore. I had just started kicking so I was kind of new to kicking. It was one of the JV games, I don’t remember who the team was but I was a reciever and I was running a 9 straight down the field. I caught the ball and ran it in for a touchdown and I was winded because it was tiring. Then I had to go and kick the extra point and it was my first time kicking so I was like “oh I gotta make the extra point”. Luckily I did. I took a few breaths, made the extra point, and the whole team hyped me up and I was so happy.

Ella: If you could play any other position, what would it be and why?

Ethan: Probably linebacker. To me it’s the hardest position. I mean I haven’t played it much but I’ve played it once or twice and it seemed very complicated. I think it’s the most violent because you get a lot of hits but I think that would be a fun position to play.

Ella: Do you have a pregame playlist, and if so, what’s on it?

Ethan: I used to, but recently Joe has had an impact on me. He doesn’t listen to any music; he just is quiet and focuses and just plays the game. So recently I’ve been listening to less music to be honest. And just trying to focus, be myself, execute and make the right play. So honestly just no music.

Ella: What are you looking forward to most this season?

Ethan: Since I’m a senior, Nationals and winning that. Definitely putting in a lot of work myself and trying to get my teammates to put in the work to help us seniors execute, you know, do well this season so we can get a top ranking in Nationals.

Ella: After a game, where are you going out to eat and what are you ordering?

Ethan: Last year after every JV game we went to Whataburger. I’d probably get the patty melt. For Varsity we obviously always go to a fancier restaurant. I feel like we went to a lot of Mexican restaurants so I’m a fan of tacos.

Ella: Did you have any goals for spring ball and how did you work to accomplish them?

Ethan: Being more conditioned. I started lifting in the past offseason. I definitely worked throughout the season and today it felt good. Running a fast paced offense you’re constantly going and don’t really get a break and you need to be conditioned for that and not be tired. So definitely being conditioned and executing.

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