Eagle Extra: Ethan Wilt, Football

By: Rose Lucidi 
Sports Information Intern
lucidrx10@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Central Pennsylvania native Ethan Wilt (Altoona,Pa./Altoona Area) is heading into his final season with Juniata College football. The starting linebacker was named one of the four team captains for 2014 after helping the team to the program's highest win total since 1990, and the most conference wins since 1999.  Wilt was named All-Centennial Conference and earned a place on the Centennial Academic Honor Roll for maintaining a cumulative grade point average over 3.40 during last season.

Liking the small community feel of Juniata, Wilt was ready to make the transition from bigger city living to a small town. He knew a lot of alumni and thought Juniata would be a great step in the right direction for his career goals. Studying politics with a secondary emphasis in history, Wilt has hopes to attending law school after graduation and eventually becoming a district attorney.

The Altoona High School grad played football, baseball and basketball. Once graduation came closer, he decided to focus on trying to play football at the collegiate level.

"I wanted to get stronger," stated Wilt. "So I stopped playing sports that required me to run a lot."

Once he knew that football was something he wanted to continue after high school, he talked to a Juniata football alum who was able to give him some insight on the college and football program.

"It was nice to hear stories from someone who actually lived through college and football," said Wilt.  "It was nice to know what to expect."

Wilt is the secretary of the Barrister's Pre-Law Club on top of participating in football.  The pre-law club is a student run organization that provides students a chance to take practice LSAT's as well as bringing in representatives from various law schools. Wilt also helps out at Saint James Church.  He and teammate Ward Udinski (Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks West) assisted in putting on the passion play before Easter.

"[Ward and I] get along with the congregation very well," said Wilt. "They sometimes even have us over for dinner which is nice."

Football has taught Wilt discipline. With the heavy commitment of football, he learned quickly that he needed to manage his time correctly. When Wilt finds any free time in his schedule he loves to read, comics, and is a huge batman fan. He also enjoys reading novels by Ayn Rand and plays video games any chance he gets.

Rapid Fire

Favorite band/artist?
Cody Simpson and One Direction.

Favorite shoes?
Sperry.

Favorite item in your dorm room?
Bible.

One thing you couldn't go a day without?
iPhone.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Batman/ Bruce Wayne. He is my hero and I look up to him.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I really do not want to leave the United States. I love it here.

If you could be any animal (car, vegetable, etc.), what would you be and why?
Owl. They are one of the smartest birds. They are also birds of prey, ferocious and wise.

If you could be an Olympic athlete (in anything other than your sport) what would it be?
Ski Jumping.

Favorite class at JC?
Constitutional law.

Favorite place in Huntingdon?
OIP.

Favorite Juniata Tradition?
Pig Roast.

Favorite athletic experience at JC?
ECAC bowl game this football season.

If you could trade places with one JC athlete, who would it be and why?
Ward Udinski because he is a great athlete and hard worker. 

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