Ethan Cliburn '21 Recruiting Profile

I have been passionate about this sport since I began playing in the football park league at the age of 7. The first few games I was terrified and then the second season started. Due to great coaching and the thrill of winning, I knew that this was my sport.

While working towards my black belt in martial arts I learned a lot about leadership, overcoming obstacles, using my body to defeat others in ways I never knew I could, and both mental and physical toughness. I learned how to fight even when I was down. I learned to never give up even when it seemed impossible. I learned to push through pain to achieve my goals.

One of my coaches, John Penney, turned my football career around by giving me the opportunity to play linebacker in the 7^th grade Ozark Football League. I began understanding the aspects the game. I was also able to develop my individual skills to not only be a better player but to help coach up my team members. I have learned I can be an incredible leader on and off the field. I love being part of team and working towards a mutual goal, pushing others to the best of their ability while pushing myself just as hard.

I enjoy physical fitness, setting personal goals to improve myself so that I am better player and team member. I started strength and conditioning, building muscle mass, and it began separating me from the other players. Through physical training, I have learned how to deadlift and continue to increase my strength and speed.

My high school goals are to focus on the classes necessary to qualify for any college that recruits me, to maintain the highest-grade point average possible and to successfully attain a qualifying ACT score. I want to major in business and am very interested in marketing and communications. I want to be a business owner in the future.

The first seven years of my life, my Dad served our country in the military while my Mom worked full-time and took care of me. My Dad came home a wounded warrior three weeks after my little sister was born. This required me to step up and help my parents at an early age. My dad and then later my Mom both have shown me how to overcome physical adversity by overcoming major physical and health issues. I believe I can overcome any obstacle by hard work and dedication. I can do this based on my faith and a fundamental belief in my abilities.

Outside of football, I am passionate about fishing. I fish every opportunity that I have. I also love to make others laugh. In addition, I have spent many hours volunteering in our community with my family. By volunteering, I have learned to put others first and to help when needed.