Athletes of the Week: Josh Riddick, Gannon McCorkle & Ethan Rosenthal

For varsity football captains Gannon McCorkle, Josh Riddick and Ethan Rosenthal, football is more than just a sport­—it is a crucial part of their lives and their futures. Their team at Exeter over the years has become their family and has strengthened their bond with the sport. With only four games left in the season, the trio is looking to make the most of their time left of Big Red football, and hope to wrap up the season on a great note.

Throughout their years on the football team, each captain has proved their commitment and work ethic on and off the field—during practices, training sessions and, most importantly, in games.

Assistant Coach Patrick Bond commented on the captains' collective strengths so far during the season. “All three captains are great communicators during the game. They are very smart football players and think about the game and are focused on their tasks, even when they are not in [the game],” Bond said. 

He continued, “They are very positive individuals who make it their responsibility to uplift the team whenever necessary, while also holding teammates and themselves accountable for mistakes.” All of the captains possess a strong sense of leadership, competitive drive and commitment, yet they also each bring something unique to the team.

As someone who only started playing football two years ag, McCorkle has come a long and impressive way. “Gannon joined the Exeter community as an upper and his electric personality made himself known around campus. He bought into non-sibi from the day he walked in the door," Bond said.

McCorkle brings a special energy to the team that never fails to boost their morale of the entire team. He has committed to play for Dartmouth College next year and expressed gratitude for all the opportunities and experiences that Exeter football has offered him. “I started playing football two years ago because I was finally able to convince my mom to let me. It took a lot but I’m so glad that she did because this sport has given me so much more than I could ever give back," he said. 

Rosenthal first started playing football at the age of six. Originally from Houston, Texas and a popular epicenter for football, Rosenthal was introduced to the sport from a young age. “I’m from Texas so everyone plays [football] at some point, but I loved the sport from the beginning,” he said. 

Bond commended Rosenthal for his growth as a leader. “Leading didn't come as easy to Ethan, but interacting with teammates and coaches did. His body language and work ethic go a long way with the team, and now that he understands that, he does a tremendous job by leading by example.” Rosenthal demonstrates impressive skill and tenacity during games, and will continue to do so at Tufts University next year.

Riddick began playing football in second grade, getting a taste of the sport by playing on his local team. “I fell in love with it from the start and have been playing ever since," Riddick said. He has continued to share this love of football with his Exeter teammates.

Riddick has several traits that make him a natural leader for the team, including great communication skills and his determination to get work done. Coach Bond commented, “From the moment Josh walked on campus he was a special individual with the qualities you look for in a leader. Even before he was named a captain, he made it his responsibility to bring guys together in the offseason for workouts. In season, he is great at communicating with the team and coaches.” Since his first day on the team, Riddick has constantly proven the qualities of a strong leader and has consistently shown these traits regularly during his time as captain.

Rosenthal, McCorkle and Riddick all came from different beginnings and places, but all share a love for the sport—a love that has only grown in their time at Exeter. “Exeter football is so special to me because of the tradition. I am very happy to have the ability to work with this group of guys and coaches,” McCorkle said.

With the final annual Exeter/Andover game approaching, the team has been training hard to end the season off on a good note. “I know that our senior year E/a is going to be a day I will never forget," McCorkle said. 

The three captains will give it their all in the last high school football game of their careers and hope to bring back an Exeter win at E/a for the first time in decades. Coach Bond reflected, “I'll miss what all three bring to the team as leaders and [they] won't be easily replaced.”