It has been a long road for East football star Ethan Brinkman, but he overcame adversity to achieve his goal of playing in college

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - East linebacker Ethan Brinkman’s recruitment process was a roller coaster to say the least.

He was highly sought after following his junior year, but a serious case of mono his senior year derailed that interest for awhile. Brinkman said facing that sort of misfortune was a bit disheartening at times.

“From going from that junior season to not being able to perform what I had previously done, it was like a real mind block. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t do this, why I couldn’t make as many plays, or do this. Then the diagnosis came and it was just defeating,” Brinkman said.

In his last full season of football in 2021, he led all of 4A with 122 tackles, and additionally led his team with 189 defensive points and 7 tackles for loss. In his illness-shortened 2022 season, he was still extremely impactful when he was out on the field. He compiled 78 tackles and 2.5 sacks, and despite the numerous games he missed he still was named All-State at linebacker and for at-large defense. That gave him a total of three All-State nods after he made it for linebacker in 2021 as well.

The odds were against him all of last year, but Brinkman battled through the tough times, came out of it stronger, and made it official Tuesday that he will play at Knox College. He said that without the support system around him, none of it would have been possible.

”It means so much. I couldn’t have done this without anybody-- my teammates, my coaches, my parents, they’ve been with me through every step of the way. It just means the world to me,” Brinkman said.

Fortunately Brinkman is healthy now, and will be out on the field for the Prairie Fire this fall.

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