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Ethan Gettman’s 56-yard field goal “would have been good from 65”
Chris Merritt, head football coach at Bryant University, realizes he has a tremendous weapon in 2022 Fred Mitchell Award winner Ethan Gettman.
Gettman, from Ormond Beach, Fla., led the nation (FCS) in field goal percentage (93.3) in addition to booming a school-record 56-yard field goal last season as a junior.
“I think this football team and this coaching staff has a tremendous amount of faith in Ethan,” said Merritt. “That’s why we put him out there in so many situations. Even as far as 56 yards away. That kick, ironically, was probably good from 65. He has really come into his own. He fills many buckets for us because he does kickoffs well, also.”
Kicking has been a family passion for the Gettman family. Ethan’s father, Joe, grew up playing soccer. His sons- Ethan, Noah and Jacob- also have a soccer background, but kicking a football has become essential.
“It was probably around 8th […]
Sayers’ bronze statue unveiling “bittersweet” for his widow
The recent dedication of a Gale Sayers statue in Omaha, Neb., offered a precious opportunity for friends and longtime acquaintances to extend emotional support for the Sayers family.
Sayers, who passed away Sept. 23, 2020, was an iconic Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears who was further immortalized because of his relationship with teammate Brian Piccolo. They became […]
Sister Jean’s urgent plea: “Work with people of other cultures and try to understand each other”
As she celebrates her 103rd birthday, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt offers sage advice for young students, parents and our nation as a whole.
The longtime Loyola University men’s basketball chaplain and internationally renowned symbol of ecumenical optimism and grace, spoke to me over the weekend about her views of today’s young generation and the future of our society.
“I think if we […]
Lloyd McClendon calls Gary Sports Hall of Fame induction “special”
The inaugural Gary Sports Hall of Fame ceremony was an enormous success as 12 former local athletes were inducted in the main auditorium of Indiana University Northwest.
Alex Karras, Tom Harmon, Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, Ron Kittle, George Taliaferro, Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, Lee Calhoun, Hank Stram, Rhonda Brady, Tony Zale, Dick Barnett and Lloyd McClendon were recognized for their estimable accomplishments […]
Patrick Arbor, former Chicago Board of Trade chairman, joins Fred Mitchell Award Selection Committee
Internationally acclaimed businessman and philanthropist Patrick Arbor (right) joins the Fred Mitchell Award Selection Committee.
Patrick Arbor, former longtime chairman of the Chicago Board of Trade and a prominent community supporter, has joined the Selection Committee for the Fred Mitchell Award.
Arbor has backed numerous local, national and international initiatives and continues his worldwide travels. The Fred Mitchell Award annually has […]
Ethan Ratke feels “lifted up” after winning Fred Mitchell Award
In 2009, the National Football Foundation made me the namesake for an annual award that honors the most outstanding kicker among over 750 colleges in America. For that, this old straight-on kicker remains forever grateful, especially to Chicago chapter chairman Chris Kearney.
In addition to kicking performance, community service is considered by our 35-man selection committee, which includes several members of […]