Idabel High School freshman Ethan John Stone is swinging his way into the spotlight on the boys golf team. The 9th-grader credits his passion for the sport to family roots and small-town advantages.
Stone’s grandfather, John DeWitt, a former collegiate golfer, has been his biggest influence. “He has spent countless hours with me practicing and teaching me what he knows,” Stone said. “He is the best man I know, and I just want to make him proud.”
DeWitt’s guidance has fueled Stone’s collegiate aspirations. The young athlete idolizes pro Jordan Spieth for his resilience: “He never gives up, even when things aren’t going his way.”
Stone favors Idabel Country Club, his local 18-hole public course opened in 1941. “It is my hometown course. Our superintendent works so hard to make our course nice and playable year-round. I am so lucky to live in a small town and get to play this course every day,” he said.
The course features tight fairways amid pine trees and water hazards on the back nine, offering ideal practice for southeast Oklahoma golfers. Stone’s team benefits from golf counting as a class, letting him play daily.
In his bag, Stone trusts his 9-iron most. “I hit it consistently well,” he noted. He’s focused on improving all irons: “I want to hit all of them consistently well, not just a couple.”
Golf has taught him patience. “What has athletics taught you that you may use later in life? How to be more patient with myself,” Stone reflected. He’s shot even par casually but doesn’t track his lowest round precisely.
Past junior successes include a first-place win and multiple podium finishes in Red River Valley events.
Off the course, Stone enjoys his agriculture class and teacher Mr. Clardy. “He cares about us and teaches us things in his class we can use for the rest of our lives,” he said.
Team camaraderie stands out: “What do you enjoy most about being a member of the team? I get to play golf every day, and it counts as a class.” Free time involves golfing, gaming and friends. Stone nominated teammate James Carper for a profile.
As Idabel High builds its golf program, Stone’s dedication positions him as a rising star in McCurtain County athletics.
