Written by Mike Kays

For Hulbert sophomore Ethan Reese, sports has been part of his life longer than school has.
He recalls starting baseball at age four. Football came in the second grade.
“Baseball has always been a love and passion,” he said. “With football, it’s been more about teammates and working together and depending on each other to accomplish goals together.”
Reese just finished his second year as a starter at quarterback for the Riders, making all-district this past season. He’s a centerfielder and pitcher in baseball who also plays shortstop, and, as in football, started both seasons in high school.

So far this spring, Reese has been productive. In the Riders first 10 games, his stats top the charts with 25 strikeouts in 12 innings of work while with bat in hand the results are impressive with a .667 batting average including 10 doubles and nine RBIs. Making the best of his speed, Reese has 13 stolen bases while scoring 13 runs.

“He’s our undisputed leader,” said head coach John Rozell. “His multi-position versatility is a real plus. Reese is a leader in the classroom where he maintains a 4.0 grade point.”
And when leadership often gravitates to the older veterans and seniors, Reese has found himself in that position in the early going of his time at Hulbert.
“I’m a Christian and I try to lead by example,” he said.  “I want to be the guy who shows it by actions and hard work.”
Besides his faith, he draws inspiration from his father, Dustin.
“He didn’t play ball but he’s an iron worker who is always about hard work and if you want something done, be the one to do it yourself.”
And so, he leads by example. And while everyone dreams of gold balls, his goals are about putting the horse before the cart.
“As far as my goals this year, it’s about finishing .750 in terms of win percentage,” he said. “You understand in all games you win some and lose some but that’s three of every four and that reflects a consistency of improvement.”
When away from the practice field or games, Reese’s get-away activity is getting in to a good book.
His favorite? “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzgerald.
“Just the intrigue of it,” he said.