By Derrick Smith
Ethan Ensminger is a three sport athlete for Pond Creek-Hunter High School. He plays shooting guard on the basketball court, quarterback on the football field, and center field for the baseball team. And while playing three different sports can be a lot for a high school student, Ensminger says that you have to be willing to put in the extra work if you are going to be great.
“I have done a lot to get to where I am today,” he said. “I am constantly working at perfecting my game. I do everything that it takes to be the best player I can be.”
He first began playing sports when he was in the fifth grade and Ethan says that over the years he has had some really good guys ahead of him and helped him along the way.
“There have been a lot of upperclassmen ahead of me that always believed in me and my abilities,” he said. “That is something that has really played a big role in my development. Another is coach Jones, because he has always believed in me and pushed me to always get better.”
Throughout his sports career, the sophomore Ensminger has had some highlight type moments. But he says that there is one game that stands out as his favorite.
“This past season we were playing against Cimarron,” he said. “I registered a double double, scoring thirty-eight points and ten rebounds. It was a really great feeling to be able to accomplish that. I am looking forward to another great season next year.”
Pond Creek-Hunter athletic director and coach, Darin Jones, says that Ethan is a great kid, both as an athlete and a student.
“Ethan epitomizes all the best aspects of a student athlete,” Jones said. “He is a great student of high character and he is a natural leader in the classroom and in athletics. He has a tremendous work ethic and a desire and passion to be great. Most importantly he is someone I trust.”
The hard work that Ensminger has put in has started to pay off. He was named All-Conference in basketball and All-District Defensive End for his play during football season. His goal is to play basketball at the collegiate level.
