By Dan Hardenbrook
One of Newberry’s most decorated football players will continue his career in college. Senior offensive/defensive lineman Ethan Pavey announced last week that he has committed to play football for St. Norbert College in Wisconsin. The program has a rich connection to the Upper Peninsula, frequently recruiting and signing players from the region.
“I just think about how blessed I am. God has been good to me and I could not be more thankful for the opportunities that he has given me,” said Pavey, who was a four-year varsity starter under coaches Zach Clickner and Joe Austin.
Pavey credits the community and program as foundations for his success.
“It feels amazing to know that all of my hours of work have paid off. It feels even better knowing that I didn’t let all of the hours other people in the community have spent on me go to waste,” he said. “Between my coaches, my family, and all of the people who have supported me, I have been blessed beyond belief. I just want to thank everyone for everything that I have been given to succeed over the years. I would not be in the position I am without my community.”
Pavey always had his eye on the next level, chasing that dream during his time with the Indians that saw him play multiple positions on both sides of the ball as part of three playoff teams during his time with the Indians.
“The competition was always great. Between playing center and tackle, I got to compete with three of the defensive linemen that I know everyday in practice: Liam Shanley my freshman year, Gabe Luck my sophomore and junior year, and Gabe Hamilton my senior year,” Pavey said. “So I am used to battling with the best every day in practice, and now that will be the case at St. Norbert.”
The St. Norbert Green Knights are an NCAA Division 3 program that competes in the prestigious Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. The program has won 17 conference championships and qualified for the NCAA D3 playoffs 13 times. In 2024 St. Norbert went 8-3 overall and finished runner up in their conference with a 7-1 mark.
Pavey says there was plenty to like about becoming a Green Knight, but it was their interest in him that made the decision easy.
“They made it feel like they were recruiting me as a person and not just as a football player,” he said. “Their coaches were very welcoming. Their players were all very down-to-earth and personable guys. Along with that, their facilities and the atmosphere on campus was somewhere I felt like I belonged.”
Pavey is already looking forward to the fall, but he will suit up one last time as a Newberry Indian in this summer’s U.P. All Star Football Game. Then it’s on to training camp for the soon-to-be graduate.
“I’m most looking forward to the first day of practice,” Pavey said. “Dreaming about playing college football is one thing. Being able to actually do it is another. So, now the anticipation is real.”
