Sports Locker • November/December 2024 • Ethan Milius

Fulton High School senior Ethan Milius discovered his passion for sports early on, thanks to countless hours spent playing basketball and baseball with his dad in their backyard.

“My dad has been my biggest supporter for as long as I can remember.” His journey began with t-ball and quickly evolved to a competitive traveling team by 8 years old. “That first year was tough, I think we only won one game. But I loved playing, and from there, it just took off.” Every summer since, Ethan has competed competitively as center fielder and righthand pitcher.

He also plays basketball as the shooting guard. He played competitively up into middle school, where his father coached him. “Sports have always been a big part of my life. I’ve tried almost every sport out there. I love pushing myself to be the best.” During his junior year, Ethan took on the challenge of playing four sports. “That was mentally and physically tough.” But a powerful piece of advice resonated with him: “To be great at something, you have to give up something, whether you love it or not.” This guided him to focus primarily on baseball and basketball his senior year. Out of the two sports, he loves baseball the most.

Some core memories for Ethan include making it to state in baseball in 2023. “It was the perfect way to end the season.” That same year he placed 5th in state in track and field in the triple jump and earned All-State in baseball.

Baseball – All-Conference (2023-2024), All-District (2023-2024), 2nd Team All-State (2024), and 4th place finish at state baseball (2023)

Track – All-State (5th place in triple jump), Conference Champion in long and triple jump (2024) Ethan’s commitment extends beyond the field. He dedicates countless hours to practice and training at home with his dad. “Pushing myself in practice helps me become tougher mentally, so when it’s game time I’m ready to go.” Under pressure, he focuses on being the best teammate possible. This season Ethan is aiming for his baseball team to make it back to state. “I think we have it in us to be the best Fulton baseball team in school history.”

Providing unwavering support and belief in his abilities, Coach Danny Hill has played a significant role in his development, along with Ethan’s parents, Eric and Melissa. They have been a driving force behind his success by pushing him to work hard and stay focused. Eric and Melissa reflect on how proud they are of him. “Ethan has been a focused athlete since he was young. He always seemed to excel in sports and had a competitive nature. The work that he has put in behind the scenes over the last 4 years has been incredible. We are incredibly proud of him not only for his achievements in sports, but for keeping his grades up.”

Fulton community holds a special spot in his heart. His competitive journey was influenced by the dads in the community - their willingness to coach a youth team. “People here genuinely care about how I’m doing in sports.” Outside of sports, Ethan enjoys fly fishing, gaming with friends, and visiting family in Michigan and Colorado.

Looking ahead, Ethan hopes to embody his parents’ work ethic into college and beyond. “My family gave up a lot to help me achieve my goals in sports.” He aims to leave a legacy so that people remember him as a hardworking player who achieved his dream of playing college baseball. After high school, Ethan will continue both his academic and athletic pursuits at Lindenwood University, where he’ll play baseball and explore his future career path. His journey may have begun in the backyard, but his athletic career and dreams are far from staying there.

Baseball – All-Conference (2023-2024), All-District (2023- 2024), 2nd Team All-State (2024), and 4th place finish at state baseball (2023)

Track – All-State (5th place in triple jump), Conference Champion in long and triple jump (2024)