Athlete Spotlight: Ethan Paxton

By Rachelle Rogers

Tuttle Football is known throughout the state for producing great athletes, but what’s even more important in the larger scheme of life is the character of the young men who are in the program. Ethan Paxton, the son of Lonnie and Misti Paxton exemplifies a life of service to others both on and off the football field.

Ethan, a senior at Tuttle High School, plays free safety, punt return and receiver for the Tigers football team. In the game against Kingfisher this year, Paxton had five receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Playing at free safety, Ethan is like the defensive quarterback. He calls in the plays for the defense and he’s had two interceptions so far this year; one he ran back for a touchdown. Ethan also runs track and is a state qualifier. He has lettered in both football and track throughout high school.

“Pax is a gritty, hard nosed, great worker. He’s a great kid, excellent teammate who is not selfish,” states Head Football Coach Brad Ballard. “I could go on and on with all the adjectives about Ethan. He’s just here for the team. All in… total commitment… all the time.”

Growing up working on his family farm, Ethan has learned how to repair and maintain all types of farm equipment and even has his own business buying and reselling buses and jet ski’s among other things. Growing up in Tuttle, he has had a lot of people influence his life, but no one has been more influential in his life than his father, Lonnie Paxton. “He has taught me hard work, loyalty, and what it means to be part of a family. Most of the lessons I learn from him are when I go out and help him on the farm. You learn a lot from somebody when they’re yelling at cattle to get in a corral,” says Ethan jokingly.

Being a member of student council, FCCLA, Business/AD Director in Yearbook, a leader in his church’s youth group and volunteering for other community events are all a part of this young mans life.

Most notably Ethan has volunteered with Tuttle Special Olympics since his freshman year. “It never gets old walking into practice and seeing them smiling and talking to them about how school went that day, ” says Ethan. Just watching Ethan for few minutes with his partner or any of the Special Olympics athletes and you can see his sincerity.

“What impresses me is after a long, hard football practice Ethan comes and gives his time and attention to the athletes on our team,” states Special Olympics Coach Maya Mount. “He not only shows integrity and hard work to our athletes, but has developed deep friendships with them. I am so thankful for the time and effort he has given our team, he will be sorely missed next year.”

Ethan enjoys camping and going duck hunting with his friends in his spare time. After graduation he plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to earn a BA in Business.