FRISCO, Texas – Lamar University senior track and field athlete
Ethan Ellis has been named the recipient of the Steve McCarty Citizenship Award announced Southland Conference officials Friday morning. Ellis becomes the second Cardinal in the past three years to win the award (2024 - Devon King, Football).
This award, named after longtime Stephen F. Austin Director of Athletics, Steve McCarty, is given out to student-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding qualities in citizenship, sportsmanship, leadership and made an impact in the community and on campus. Throughout his 21 years, McCarty served on the SFA Board of Regents, including being named the Chair of the Board of Regents from 2013-15. He also received the General Robert R. Neyland Outstanding Athletic Director Award from the All-American Football Foundation and was inducted into the SLC Hall of Honor in 2006.
"Being recognized for the Steve McCarty Citizenship Award is a testament to the lord above for the strength and direction he has given me and to my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who continue to motivate and push me in my journey to be the best version of myself," said Ellis. "This esteemed honor is not meant to be shared by just the likes of one person, but to be enjoyed by the communities that we all seek to uplift. As I am honored to be recognized, the pursuit of being a good citizen is not just an act to be awarded but a life choice to continue to uplift those on our teams, at our schools, and in our communities. I encourage everyone to find ways to continue to be a good citizen and an even better person."
A native of Missouri City, Ellis competed in both sprints and hurdles, collecting five all-conference honors between the indoor and outdoor seasons. His career highlights include winning the indoor conference title as a member of the distance medley relay team. Ellis was also named SLC Track Athlete of the Week and made three trips to the NCAA Regionals, competing in the 400-meter hurdles.
In the classroom, Ellis was twice named to the SLC All-Academic team after compiling a 3.41 GPA, while graduating with a bachelor of science in political science.
On campus, Ellis was elected and re-elected as LU Student Government Association President from 2024-26 and served as the Chair for the Texas State University System Student Advisory Board. He was also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Pi Sigma Alpha and LU's Moot Court team, an undergraduate program that simulates appellate court arguments before a mock Supreme Court.
