Wabash adds more local talent to football program with Ethan Harcourt joining Little Giants

South Putnam senior Ethan Harcourt (center) recently signed to join the Wabash College football program ahead of the 2023-24 school year. With Harcourt at the signing were (from left) South Putnam assistant head coach Evan Bernhardt, father Chris, younger brothers Kolby and Chase, mother Rashelle and South Putnam football head coach Chuck Sorrell.

Banner Graphic/TRENT SCOTT

Despite the Monon Bell game being a local institution, there are times where there has been a lack of local flavor in the game itself.

South Putnam will try to help address the issue in the future, first at Wabash with Ethan Harcourt signing to join the ranks of the Little Giants on the gridiron starting in the 2023-24 school year.

Harcourt, who played on both the offensive and defensive lines for South Putnam, said attending the Crawfordsville campus was based first on the quality of education.

“The academics are what worked for me, then football,” Harcourt said. “Academics are first for me, just like in life, because academics are what set you up for success and a great future.”

The Eagle senior said entering the business field was his goal, though to what end was still up for discussion.

“Right now, I’m looking into business management as my four-year degree,” Harcourt said. “I’d like to be the back end guy of an insurance company or own my own business at some point and see where it takes me.”

Harcourt added his tour of the campus showed him an ideal picture of college life.

“I love the facilities,” Harcourt noted. “The football facilities stood out to me, obviously, as I’m going to play football there.

“I like the academic perspective of things as well. Going there, we toured the whole campus and what I really liked was that they have small classrooms with instructors that are welcoming and looking to help you.”

Joining the Little Giants will likely lead to a positional change with Harcourt anticipating moving to the outside on the defensive line or into a new position altogether.

“Freshman year will be a little rough but the coaches see me possibly getting some playing time on special teams and being a crucial element in later years on the defensive line or in a position switch to linebacker,” Harcourt said. “Hopefully I can give them all to win a Monon Bell game.”

While there are plenty of local attendees at Wabash, Harcourt said it would still be a stark change going from South Putnam to Wabash but added there were dedicated individuals who would be there to help along the way.

“I feel the social aspect will be the biggest change,” Harcourt said. “Seeing people I’ve never seen before and getting to know them will be a change.

“They have a Wabash Mafia, which is a group that take you, lead you around and help you find out what’s going on. Academically, there are people in the frats that are available to help you and athletically, walking in the weight room and seeing guys looking to push me and help get better every day will be important.”

Regardless of the challenge that awaits, Harcourt was ready to dive right in when the new school and football season arrives.

“I can’t wait,” Harcourt said. “I am extremely excited to getting to know the staff, my new teammates and I’m ready to get to work.”