Photo: Etowah High senior Ethan Foster, sitting at center with his mom and dad, recently signed a football scholarship with Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Pictured standing from left are EHS boys basketball coach James Graves, EHS assistant principal Dr. Nate Ayers, EHS athletic director football coach Ryan Locke, EHS assistant football coach Randy Dupree. (Katie Bohannon/Messenger)
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
Katie Bohannon, News Editor
Ethan Foster will play college football on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Etowah High School senior recently signed a scholarship with Division III Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Playing both sides of the ball at running back and defensive back this past season, Foster helped the 2020 Blue Devils go 9-4, win the Class 4A Region 6 title, gain a berth in the state playoffs for the 10th straight season and earn the program’s first state semifinals appearance in 21 years. Foster was named to the All-Region team at defensive back following the season.
“I’ve been blessed to get to play at the next level; not a lot of people get to do that, so I’m grateful,” said Foster, who plans on majoring in sports management. “Carthage had the best opportunities school-wise, and with what I’m majoring in, it’s the best fit for me. It’s cold there, but I like sweatpants and jackets.”
Foster will join a Firebird squad that went 2-0 in an abbreviated spring season. Carthage competes in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.
“Ethan was a very important piece to the puzzle for us this past year and I’m going to hate to lose him,” said EHS athletic director/head football coach Ryan Locke. “He busted his tail and he was always where he needed to be. Size was never an issue with him. He’s the perfect example of you can have a big heart that will overcome small status. He has tremendous lateral quickness, he plays physical and was a key player for us on defense and offense and special teams.
“Ethan had several blocked punts for us this year in crucial situations. He did a great job defensively and lined up where we needed him to line up. His position on defense often times didn’t allow him to make a lot of tackles, but it was a key role for us. When Ethan did get a chance to make a tackle, he made a tackle.”
Locke believes Foster has a chance to make a good early impression for the Firebirds.
“Athletically, I think Ethan’s capable of going in and helping. It depends on how quick he’s able to pick up on what they need him to do, depth-wise in what they’ll have in front of him and how quickly he’ll be able to pick up on the terminology. Is it conceivable for him to go in and contribute early? Absolutely.”