Ethan Deffke will run cross country and participate in track and field for Lenoir-Rhyne University next season. He’s pictured with his parents, Kelly and Scott, and his sister, Delaney. Back row: HHS athletic director David Craft; HHS cross country coach John Hamilton; HHS track and field coach Ronnie Hopper; and HHS Principal Katherine Cater./HICKORY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PHOTO
HobbsDailyReport.com
HICKORY – Lenoir-Rhyne University has signed Ethan Deffke, an all-conference runner for four seasons at Hickory High, for its cross country and indoor and outdoor track programs.
Deffke’s signing was announced Wednesday in a press release from the Hickory Public Schools.
He was the distance runner MVP at Hickory the last two seasons.
“Ethan has experienced a great career at Hickory High in cross country, indoor and outdoor track,” Hickory head cross country coach John Hamilton said in the press release. “He has worked hard for four years here and it has been a pleasure to see him improve.
“This scholarship to LRU is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He will also get better in college, and I expect him to have a great career at Lenoir-Rhyne.”
Deffke originally wasn’t considering going to LRU but took a second look based on recommendations by Hamilton and Hickory head track and field coach Ronnie Harper.
At LRU, Deffke plans to study Exercise Science with the intent of becoming an athletic trainer.
“I am also interested in coaching at the high school or college level one day,” Deffke said in the press release.