Rochelle senior Ethan Albers has been an anchor on defense for the Hub varsity football team, earning All-Conference First Team honors from the Interstate 8 during both his junior and senior seasons. A two-way lineman who enjoyed success on both sides of the ball, Albers will be ready to take his talents to the NCAA Division III level at Wartburg College next year.

“I chose Wartburg College because it fits the major I want to study and I love the aggressiveness and winning mentality of its football team,” Albers said. “I’m looking forward to meeting new teammates, facing new competition and receiving new challenges to overcome.”

A two-year starter at both tight end and defensive end, Albers totaled 23 tackles while adding one fumble recovery and one interception in six games this season. Albers shined during his junior season, leading the Hubs with 6.5 sacks and seven tackles-for-loss. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound lineman was the only junior on the Rochelle team to receive First-Team honors in 2019.

“Ethan consistently improved throughout his high school career,” head coach Kyle Kissack said. “He continued to develop, he had success and he made the most of his opportunities. Ethan’s a great teammate who was willing to rise up and do anything he could to help the team get better. I’m really proud of his efforts and they’ve allowed him to compete collegiately.”

Albers played a significant role in Rochelle’s double-overtime win against Ottawa in 2019, collecting six total tackles and 2.5 sacks in the Hub victory. The senior said he plans to study engineering while attending Wartburg College in hopes of pursuing a successful career.

“RTHS has prepared me for college by helping me improve my pass rushing skills and taking responsibility as a leader,” said Albers, one of four captains on the varsity team this spring. “I’m going to bring a lot of energy to the team and I’ll try my best over the next four years. I feel I could become a starter if I keep working hard in the offseason and keep up my cardio.”