2019 was a very kind year for Rochelle Township High School senior Ethan Etes. Not only did Etes grow into a versatile starter for the Hub baseball team in the spring, but he also stood out as the starting quarterback and free safety for the Hub football team in the fall.

While the COVID-19 pandemic erased the 2020 baseball season, Rochelle finished 16-9 during its 2019 campaign as a member of the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference, with Etes alternating at the second base and catcher positions. Etes, who averaged .324 with three homers and 18 RBIs in 2019, was an integral cog in an offense that scored nearly eight runs per game.

“My favorite moments from this past season were all of the home runs we hit,” Etes said. “Our bus rides home after wins were always really fun as well. Playing baseball at RTHS taught me a lot about behavior off the field and understanding how one player’s actions affect the team.”

A four-year baseball and football player for the Hubs, Etes entered his senior football season this past fall as Rochelle’s two-way starting quarterback and free safety, earning an All-Conference Honorable Mention from the Interstate 8 on defense. Etes totaled 271 yards and one touchdown on offense while securing the secondary with a team-high three interceptions. Etes said he plans to apply for a career with an operator’s union after high school.

“I always enjoyed playing in front of the home crowds,” Etes said. “The Superfans brought so much energy to our games and they really hyped us up on the field. Beating Ottawa in double overtime this past season was one of my favorite memories with the team. Playing football at RTHS also taught me about how one person’s behavior can affect a whole team.”