Meet Danville senior track runner Ethan Unzicker, the high school athlete of the week
Ethan Unzicker can do it all when it comes to the game of baseball.
The Danville High School senior can pitch, play catcher and play any other position on the field his coach, Dave Beik, asks him to play.
Unzicker's father, Jason, was an accomplished high school baseball player before finding his calling as a pastor. He played a game at Busch Stadium his senior year and was asked to try out for the Atlanta Braves.
Ethan Unzicker, who also is proficient at trapshooting, hunting and fishing, decided to give track and field a whirl his senior year.
Unzicker has been a pleasant surprise for the Bears. He helped Danville qualify for state in the 4x200, distance medley and sprint medley relays. The Bears will compete Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, looking to bring home state medals.
Unzicker helped Danville set school records in the sprint medley and shuttle hurdle relays this season.
The Hawk Eye recently caught up with Unzicker, The Hawk Eye's High School Athlete of the Week, to find out a little more about him.
What is your favorite sport besides track?
"Baseball."
What is it that you like about track?
"The feeling of adrenaline right before an event, and time spent with the team (especially on the bus)."
What is your best memory in track?
"Qualifying for state and breaking school records in the Sprint Medley and Shuttle Hurdles."
What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
1. Having people rely on me to do my part
2. Trying my best not to let the team down
3. Celebrating with my team
What is the best part about competing?
"Being pushed to do my best."
How do you and your teammates make practice fun?
"By reminding each other to go 100 percent in practice and it will pay off."
Who is your biggest role model and why?
"My dad because he raised me and taught me everything I need to know."
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
"Advanced Welding because we get to weld and use CAD (and it's the last class of the day)."
What is your favorite meal?
"Frozen Pizzas."
What do you enjoy doing in your free time and why?
"Shooting hoops and hanging out with the boys on Friday nights."
What is your favorite motivational slogan or quote?
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
What are your future plans for college and career?
"Northwest Iowa Community College this Fall for their Powerline Program."
What is something about yourself that would surprise people?
"This is my first year running track,"
This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: Unzicker helped Danville qualify for the state track meet in 3 relays
