This week’s Athlete of the Week is Crookston Pirate Football Senior Ethan Boll. Ethan has gotten off to a great start this year running the ball 50 times for 354 yards and 5TD’s. In his most recent performance, Boll rushed for 202 yards 3TD’s on 25 carries, leading the Pirates to their first win of the season 41-18 over the Hawley Nuggets. Boll has eclipsed the 100-yard mark twice this season and is averaging 7.08 yards per carry.
While Boll may be the one rushing the football, he was quick to give props to his offensive line and teammates for making great running lanes. “I don’t have success running the ball without my offensive line so have to give them a shoutout for all the hard work they’ve put in and the job they do up front,” said Boll. “Also, our Fullback Tanner Giese. He does a really nice job of creating running lanes as well.”
Going back to last year, Boll was also the Pirates leading rusher as a Junior, scoring 5TD’s and running for 349 yards. He added 3TD’s as a receiver and caught 13 passes for 163 yards. One key difference for Boll the past two seasons, is that the Pirates have been under new leadership with coach Nate Lubarski now in his second season. “Coach Lubarski has helped me grow a lot as a Football player,” said Boll. “I really appreciate his coaching style. I would say all the coaches we have this year are great and do a good job.”
The Pirates are 1-2 on the season and Boll says they’re hopeful the wins have only just begun. “I think a good goal for us is to win the rest of our regular season games,” said Boll. “We have a lot of work to do but we’ve played some tough teams so far and we know we can build off of that and have more success.”
Away from the football field, Boll plays Baseball, Track & Field, and is also a State Champion Wrestler, winning the 220-pound title last year as a Junior and only losing in one match. Boll also participates in Band and is an active member in the Leo Club at Crookston High School. After graduation Boll will be heading to the University of North Dakota to play football for the Fighting Hawks.
First started playing Football – 2nd grade
What do you feel is the strongest part of your game – Physicality
Do you like playing offense or defense more – Defense
Part of your game that needs work – Lateral cuts when running the football
Favorite Football Field away from Crookston – Hawley
Do you have a pregame ritual – Just hanging out with the guys and stretching in the wrestling room
Favorite sport – Football
Favorite sports team – Minnesota Vikings
Favorite sport to watch – Football
Favorite athlete – Christian McCaffrey
Last movie you’ve seen – Just Go With It
Favorite TV Show – Yellowstone
Favorite food – Steak
What music are you listening to – Country: Morgan Wallen
You’re stranded on a deserted island, and you can have ANY three people with you – Dad, Mom, and Grandpa
Plans after graduation – Go to college at UND, play Football, major in Business, and come back to take over the farm.
Family –
Dad – Bryan (Farmer)
Mom – Melissa (Occupational Therapist)
Sisters – Emma (Sophomore at Northland Community and Technical College)
Chloe (Freshman)
Grace (Seventh-grader)
Morgan (Sixth-grader)
Brother – Eli (Third-grader)
