By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Ethan Coutre has spent Shrine Bowl week getting a close look at some of the best football talent in Kansas.
The Hesston High School lineman is representing the West Team in the 53rd annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, which will be played at 7 p.m. Saturday at Welch Stadium on the Emporia State University campus.
Coutre, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound defensive lineman, will wear No. 63 for the West Team. He earned all-state honors on both the offensive and defensive lines during his high school career, along with all-league honors for two consecutive seasons on both sides of the ball.
“It’s been really fun getting to see some great competition and see lots of different guys, different schools represented,” Coutre said.
Coutre said he knew he had a chance to be selected for the Shrine Bowl, but did not know for sure until the selection show. He was at work when his name appeared.
“I knew I could be selected, but I didn’t know until the selection show that I was going to be selected,” Coutre said. “I was actually at work watching it, and I got selected while I was working, and that was really cool to see.”
Coutre said a few of his co-workers were also watching when the announcement was made.
“A couple people at my work were watching, and so I got selected, and they were congratulating me,” Coutre said. “I got a call from Bauerle right after, and it was cool.”
Coutre played for Hesston coach Tyson Bauerle, who he said helped build a strong football culture within the Swathers’ program.
“It was great,” Coutre said. “Bauerle is a great guy. His weight program was always really good through high school and really makes a lot of guys fall in love with football.”
Coutre said Bauerle’s passion for the sport was felt throughout the program.
“He’s a football guy and hires football guys, so everyone around you is just like, ‘Let’s go, we’re ready for football season to roll around,’” Coutre said. “He coaches other sports, but he’s really a football guy at heart, so it’s really nice.”
This week has brought a new challenge for Coutre, who said he is playing more on the interior defensive line after being used to playing on the edge.
“It’s been a lot different,” Coutre said. “I’m playing a three-tech or inside D-lineman this week. I’m used to playing at the end, so it’s been a little different.”
Coutre said the adjustment has also brought more contact inside, which fits his style of play.
“It’s definitely a lot more hitting, which I’m not opposed to,” Coutre said. “I love to hit and get into contact, so it’s been fun.”
While Shrine Bowl practices have been physical, Coutre said the players have also been careful as they prepare for Saturday’s game.
“It’s mostly just been wrapped up and we’re trying to keep guys healthy, so it hasn’t been too much hitting,” Coutre said. “But some guys have definitely rung my bell.”
Facing high-level offensive linemen from across the state has been one of the biggest benefits of the week for Coutre.
“It’s been really cool, because I feel like I’m getting a lot better going up against these guys and having to use your hands and feet and moves,” Coutre said. “It’s a lot different than just going up against your average high school guy. These guys are a lot better, and it’s really a learning experience.”
Off the field, Coutre said the players have used their downtime to rest and recover from a full week of practices.
“It’s been fun,” Coutre said. “Most of the time, we’re just laying around and resting while we can, because we have lots of practices this week, and taking a nap, maybe getting some food in and hydrating, for sure.”
Coutre said several players have already asked him for Hesston’s Swather helmet decal, though he was still waiting to get more of them during the week.
“A lot of guys have been asking for them,” Coutre said. “I’m definitely out of the backs.”
Coutre said he already has several other school decals on his helmet.
“I have an Andale, a Goddard and like four others,” Coutre said. “I have quite a bit on there.”
Coutre said the Swather logo has drawn interest because of how distinct it is.
“It’s really unique,” Coutre said. “It’s a really cool logo.”
In addition to football, Coutre also qualified for state track as the anchor of Hesston’s 400-meter relay team. He was also on the honor roll all four years of high school and qualified for state FBLA the past two years.
Coutre is uncommitted for football. His future plans include studying construction management and becoming a project manager in the construction field.
For Saturday’s Shrine Bowl, Coutre said the goal is straightforward.
“Getting a win, of course,” Coutre said. “Celebrating with the guys after, that’s what I’m most excited for. Beating the East side, West side on top again.”
Saturday’s Kansas Shrine Bowl will be televised on Smoky Hills PBS, Cox YurView and 38 The Spot in Kansas City, with Mark Ewing and Stan Weber on the call.
The radio broadcast can be heard on Eagle Media stations 102.9 FM KHUT Country in Hutchinson; B104.3 FM KVGB “The Point” in Great Bend; 101.9 FM KKQY “The Bull” in Hays; 107.5 FM and 910 AM KINA in Salina; 107.9 FM and 1420 AM KJCK in Junction City; and 103.5 FM KQLA in Manhattan.
Gerard Wellbrock will handle play-by-play duties, with Sean Boston serving as analyst and Anthony Gorges as sideline reporter.