Ethan Harris, a senior defensive lineman on the St. X football team, made his return from a devastating ACL and MCL tear, which required surgery in March.
Harris tore his ACL and MCL at the end of the wrestling season but was remarkably back and ready to play by week seven of the football season. That recovery time around six months is almost unheard of for such serious injuries. The average recovery after ACL and MCL surgery is typically nine months, but Harris’s determination and discipline helped him defy the odds.
During his recovery process, Harris never let his injury affect his spirit. He was always in a good mood, supporting his teammates from the sidelines and staying engaged during practice. As soon as he was cleared for physical therapy, he attacked it with the same intensity he brings to the field doing everything his trainers told him to help speed up the process.
He put in an incredible amount of effort and hard work so he could return in time to play during his senior season. He attended physical therapy almost every day and rarely missed a session. His dedication showed just how badly he wanted to be back on the field with his teammates.
Ben Pinkston, a senior middle linebacker has played alongside Harris for four years on the defensive side of the ball. He is the most vocal of the leaders on the defense and the team.
“Ethan has a tremendous impact on our defense and team as a whole,” Pinkston said. “He’s a guy that comes onto the field every day with a great attitude and a willingness to work. Having him back not only makes our defense better, it makes playing football more fun.”
He has been part of the team for four years and has made a big impact on and off the field. Last season, he started most games at nose guard and rotated with another senior, Brennen Garr. Harris and Garr have played the same positions since freshman year so they know how hard and important their position is on the defensive side of the ball. Garr has gotten close with Harris and has a lot of respect for the hard work and dedication he has shown to get back to playing.
“You could see how bad he wanted to play all season,” Garr said. “It makes me very happy to see him back to dominating again.”
Now that Harris is back, his presence on the defensive line has made a noticeable difference. He has stepped up and helped the team in a big way defeat district rivals Manual High School. Then he was able to walk out with his family on senior night and help defeat North Hardin.
His resilience and commitment have inspired the entire team, proving that with hard work and determination, even the toughest setbacks can be overcome.
