An OFSAA Staple

“It’s a huge accomplishment,” said coach Dave Fitzpatrick. “He has been in that elite group every year – he has always made that cut.” 

Ethan, who started running in Grade 6 and has been running at RSGC since he became a Georgian in Grade 9, trains with the team most days after school, although sometimes other commitments prevent him from being able to join and he trains on his own. Either way, he is pleased that his efforts have allowed him to run alongside the cream of the crop at OFSAA. 

“It feels good that my hard work has paid off,” said Ethan, who runs the 6km race. “It’s definitely something I work towards every year and it’s great that I’ve been successful getting there.” 

Last year, Ethan actually gave up his OFSAA spot, offering it to Grade 12 student Hudson McDaniel, who cramped at the final qualifying race. In the end, Ethan still qualified as an alternate, but did not race. 

“Hudson is a better runner than I am and I knew he would place better than me at OFSAA and that it would be better for the team overall,” said Ethan. “He deserved it and he was very thankful.” 

Mr. Fitzpatrick considers the act the perfect example of Manners Maketh Men. 

“That’s an example of the school value in action right there,” said Mr. Fitzpatrick. “He just selflessly did what he felt was right.” 

Ethan graduates from RSGC this year, but hopes to continue running for years to come.