A perfectly executed play can create the kind of moment an athlete remembers long after the final whistle. Antlers High School senior Ethan Williams experienced one of those moments last season against Henryetta.
Williams and his teammates ran a hook-and-ladder play they had practiced, and everything came together when it mattered.
“One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of was last season against Henryetta,” Williams said. “My team and I executed a really well-run hook-and-ladder play that worked exactly how we had practiced it. It was a great feeling when we pulled it off, scored, and hearing the fans go crazy in the stands.”
Williams plays quarterback and free safety for Antlers while also competing in basketball as a small forward. Competing in multiple roles has helped him become a more versatile athlete while teaching him lessons that extend beyond sports.
“Sports have taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork, and leadership,” Williams said. “I’ve learned that you have to put in the hard work and you have to trust your teammates. It’s helped me to become more responsible and dependable.”
Williams shares some of that leadership responsibility with teammate Keaton Barrick. Their ability to feed off each other’s energy helps motivate the players around them.
“When he’s hyped, I’m hyped, and when I’m hyped, he’s hyped,” Williams said. “That helps us motivate each other and bring out the best in our teammates.”
His biggest inspiration comes from his dad, who Williams said continually pushes him to work hard, stay determined and believe in his potential.
That encouragement is important because Williams admits he can be hard on himself when things do not go as planned. The best advice he has received is to never give up on himself.
“I’m learning to shake things off, keep moving forward, and remember my potential,” Williams said.
Williams also credits his math teacher, Mrs. Brown, with encouraging him through challenges in the classroom. On the field, Coach White and Coach Brooks have played important roles in his development during the past two years.
“They’ve helped me improve and believed in me and my abilities,” Williams said. “They’ve pushed me to become the best player I can be.”
Williams continues to carry those lessons with him, trusting his teammates, learning from difficult moments and working to become a better player and leader.
