The Heart Of A Lion

It appears Gravette junior three-sport standout Ethan McKinzie is well on his way to recovering from a foot injury that ended his football season late last fall just as he helped the Lions secure a berth in the semifinals of the Class AAAA playoffs. At the time he went down, it was only natural that McKinzie would initially question how something like this could have happened to him. And the frustration was understandable, as McKinzie has missed basketball entirely, while also realizing that an intense rehabilitation program might very well keep him out of action all through spring as well without a chance to play baseball — his best sport and favorite one, too. “At first there were a lot of whys,” said McKinzie, widely regarded one of the premier prep pitchers around. “I didn't understand it. I was really down.” He was down, but certainly not out. Although McKinzie has realized all along the road to recovery that there would be no way to pinpoint exactly when, or if, he'll pitch during this high school season, nor how long it will take to completely regain his dominant form, he's continued to be open-minded about it. “The whole key (to a successful come back) will be my attitude,” McKinzie said. “If something hurts (during therapy), I won't baby into it. (At the same time) it will definitely concern me at first (wondering how the foot will hold up). I'll probably be iffy at first.” McKinzie knows he simply can't rush it. Even so, he expresses a confident mindset in saying, “I aim to be even better. That's exactly what I thought about. I just want to go out and do what I've always done.” Without a doubt, Lions baseball coach Vernon Scott definitely wants McKinzie to do what he's always done on the mound as well, and sooner than later. Scott, though, obviously won't push it. “I think he'll workas hard as anybody that has gone through an injury,” Scott said. “Anyone would love to have someone as talented as him. But I'm not going to rush anything about it. “If we get him back it will be a big lift for us. But I'm not expecting him at all. If the doctors and his parents feel he is OK, we'll see what happens. He thinks he'll be available (at some point this season). But I told him to be realistic.” Considering his competitive nature, Scott won't be surprised to see McKinzie back in action before the season is done. “He's had the determination he was going to do everything the doctors told him to do,” Scott said. “He said to me, 'Coach, I'm going to be there (in the spring)'.” Along with McKinzie's impressive athletic capabilities, Scott points to other qualities that make him a pleasure to coach. “His work ethic is like no other,” Scott said. “As a sophomore he was a vocal leader and he encourages his teammates. He doesn't let anyone on the team loaf around either. But, he doesn't criticize. His GPA is great and he's taking a lot of advanced classes. He's got a real good head on his shoulders. “Even if he can't play this spring, he's already told me he'll do something to chip in for the team. I've been coaching for 13 years and he's probably the most unique person I've been around. I can't find a flaw about him. He is very coachable.” Of course, McKinzie's terrific skills make him particularly enjoyable to coach. “He's a special pitcher,” Scott said. “He hits his spots well, and the farther the game progresses, the better he gets. That's when (late innings) you don't want to face Ethan. He does have a great slider and throws with high velocity on his fastball. He mixes his speeds well and really just does a good job of keeping batters off balance.” McKinzie's pitching prowess may be his greatest asset, but as a middle infielder Scott said his “range is superb and he has a great glove. He obviously has a strong arm.” Likewise, McKinzie also wields a potent bat and he led the Lions in home runs during both his freshman and sophomore seasons. “He is very smart (running) on the base paths,” Scott said. Regardless of what his role will ultimately be after coming back from his tough-luck setback, McKinzie has apparently kept everything in perspective. “I've had a lot of support from my family (parents Brian and Sandy, as well as brothers Seth and Sheldon), my pastor (John Powell), my coaches and my teammates,” he said. “I've had a lot of help. The support has been one of the best things.” Now, McKinzie hopes the best of the best days in his athletic career — on the diamond, gridiron and hardwood — are still in front of him. And, ideally he'll be playing baseball for the Lions in March, April and May while getting firmly back on his feet.