Walking through the hallways of Riverhead High School, it’s hard to miss Ethan Greenidge, who stands 6’5″ and weighs about 315 pounds, and today has a smile on his face as wide as his seven foot “wingspan.” Ethan has signed to play football for the Villanova University Wildcats next year. [See Nov. 10 story: “Riverhead’s Ethan Greenidge heading to Villanova on a football scholarship” He received a full athletic scholarship to play with this Division I-AA team. He’s excited and his parents, Xanne and Robin, feel “blessed” because they also have two other children currently in college.
“He’s the prototypical Division I lineman with the speed, quickness and strength to succeed at a high level,” Coach Leif Shay said. “The kid weighs over 300 pounds and moves like he’s 250,” Shay said. “Of course schools are interested. His goal this year was to be hard to miss on the football field, and he certainly accomplished that. It also doesn’t hurt to have a 6-6, 325-pound athlete like Greenidge anchoring the lines. He makes it easy for those guys to find the running lanes,” Shay said.
Greenidge would agree with Coach Shay’s assessment. “One of my strengths is that I have good footwork for someone my size. Now, I will have to train hard to increase my strength to play in college. I am really excited about playing with the Wildcats. I want to make all my coaches, teachers, my parents and the whole Riverhead community, who have all been so supportive of me, proud.”
Throughout his career at Riverhead High School, Greenidge played three varsity sports (football, basketball and track and field). During his senior year, he decided to focus on football. His focus won him a number of awards this yaer and that focus landed him a scholarship. He’s not sure about what he will major in at college, but he is determined to take full advantage of the educational opportunities he has been given.
Assistant principal Patrick Burke told his parents, “Football aside, you have raised a wonderful young man. Congratulations.”
Source: Riverhead Central School District press release Feb. 4, 2014
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
