Central Washington University Athletics

Ethan Sterkel joined the Wildcat baseball program in the spring of 2011 after initially accepting a football scholarship to CWU. After playing sparingly in 2011 as a true freshman, Sterkel stepped into a starting role as a sophomore in right field.  Sterkel hit .298 for Wildcats, and added three homeruns, eight doubles, and 23 runs batted in (RBI). Following the season, Sterkel was named to the All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) honorable mention team. As a junior in 2013, Sterkel helped lead the Wildcats to their best finish since 2008, batting .329 with an impressive .411 average in GNAC play. Again, Sterkel was named to the All-GNAC honorable mention team.
 
Sterkel graduated from Ellensburg High School in Ellensburg, Washington. He was a four-year letterman in football and baseball and also played basketball for the Bulldogs. He teamed with fellow Wildcat Davis Engel throughout high school, helping the Bulldogs to 2A State Tournament appearances in his junior and senior seasons while winning the 2010 Central Washington Athletic Conference baseball championship. He was also a first-team All-State defensive back, Honorable Mention All-State quarterback, Central Washington Athletic Conference Offensive Most Valuable Player in 2009, as well as earning first-team all-CWAC honors at quarterback and defensive back. Sterkel threw for 3,671 yards with 38 touchdowns and just five interceptions while completing 76 percent of his passes in his senior season.
 
Sterkel was born in Ellensburg, Washington to parents Mel and Vicki Sterkel. He has one brother, Luke, and one sister, Emili. Sterkel is majoring in special education at CWU and intends to be a teacher following graduation.