By Stephanie Dolan
A center on the offensive line, senior Ethan Crowe towers above his teammates. At 6 feet 5 inches, Crowe – as he puts it – “takes control of the situation.”
The center of the offensive line gives call signals to his teammates on the line, so that they know what to do against the defense, whether they’re blocking for runs or blocking for passing.
“I’m the guy that stops the ball,” he said. “I’m the leader of the line.”
Crowe, 18, is also the Center Grove ICON Athlete of the Month. What is a game like for Crowe?
“It’s the most intense thing you’ll probably go through,” he said. “You have to go as hard as you can every play. You have to protect the goal line.”
It’s hard work, but Crowe says he really enjoys it.
“It’s tiring, but it’s so much fun,” he said.
Crowe has been playing football since second grade. He said it looked like a fun sport to play.
“He played both offense and defense up until high school,” Crowe’s mother, Danielle, said.
“I also played baseball, but I stopped playing after freshman year,” he said.
Now Crowe devotes his time to his favorite sport.
And he also devotes his time to his schoolwork.
“I would definitely say my favorite classes are business classes,” he said.
Crowe said he’ll be attending college, and he’s had offers from at least five schools to play football.
“I’m trying to get more, but am considering every option that I have,” he said. “I’m going to attend college, but I’m just not sure which college. I plan on playing football in college. I’m going to study business of some kind.”
What is Crowe doing when he’s not on the field or in the classroom?
He and his friends are hanging out at his house, watching football or going to Buffalo Wild Wings.
“They’re always too tired to really do anything,” Danielle said. “I love it.”
“They’re the best teammates I could ever ask for,” he said. “They’re like brothers to me.”
Danielle said that she and her husband, Bryan, are very proud of Crowe.
“He’s a quiet leader is what he is,” she said. “He’s a hard worker. He’s a strong leader by example. We’re excited to see what the future holds for him.”
Crowe said he see himself as a mentor to the younger players on the team.
“I tell them to stick with the grind,” he said. “Always be at practice on time. Never be late. Keep pushing through both wins and losses.”
Crowe also appreciates the efforts of his coach, Eric Moore.
“Coach Moore is one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for,” he said.
THE CROWE FILE
NAME: Ethan Crowe
SPORT: Football
POSITION: Center on the offensive line
YEAR: Senior
HEIGHT: 6 feet 5 inches
AGE: 18
HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Hanging out with his friends and watching football
FAVORITE MOVIE: The Fast and the Furious
FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Office
COLLEGE PLANS: He has offers from several schools and is weighing his options. He will play football in college and study business.
PARENTS: Bryan and Danielle Crowe