C.S. Lewis’ great quote “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less” sums up my dear friend, Ethan Meguiar, better than anything I can think of.
Forty-one years ago, I was a new student at Auburn Elementary School going into the third grade. Changing schools was not new to me, as this would be my fourth school in as many years. Ethan would be my first true friend of my life. He was funny, very quick witted and most importantly a sports fanatic just like myself. Over the next eight years we would develop an amazing bond.
We spent the night at each other’s house way too much, attending the same church, playing all the same sports, and he was only a three-mile bike ride from my house. He was simply put my best friend.
One thing that stood out about Ethan though was he was probably the best friend of five or six of the young men in our friend group. This shows just how likeable Ethan was and how great of a friend he still is.
He and I were part of the first Logan County baseball team to win the region, led by future major league player, Mark Thompson. Our coach, David Billingsley, undoubtedly had a lasting impact on both Ethan and me, as he was on the cutting edge of baseball and was so resourceful in our offseason training, which was not normal in the late 1980s.
Ethan truly brings Logan County baseball full circle, as he was a groundbreaker of the program and now still carries on the tradition but actually improving on the tradition.
After high school, we went our separate ways. Ethan would be a very good college baseball player; actually he still is the leader in all-time stolen bases at Campbellsville College, and I joined the Army. Whenever I got the opportunity to be on leave, we would pick back up as we had never left one another. Ethan would never share how well he was playing in college, always focusing on his teammates and his great head coach at Campbellsville.
A few years later, my dad told me Ethan had just been hired to teach history and be the head baseball coach at Logan County High School. Such a poetic start to a future Hall of Famer coming full circle back home. Over the years, we always kept in touch, which was not an easy task as I had the misfortune of five combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, but from the periphery I attempted to check on how my dear friend was doing. He would always use the cliches that baseball coaches use and downplay any of his accomplishments turning the focus to his players.
Five years ago, I found out from Ethan’s cousin Michael that Ethan would be inducted into the Kentucky High School baseball Hall of Fame. I immediately called Ethan to congratulate him and tell him how happy I was for him. His response was, “Well, when you’ve been doing this a long time and have great players you win some games.” Such an Ethan Meguiar response, turning the focus to his players!
I’ve rambled on for too long in this piece, but if I conveyed anything for you to remember is that Ethan Meguiar is first and foremost a Hall of Fame friend and person, not just a twice-selected Hall of Famer for his coaching. His legacy will live on for generations in Logan County, not just as a great coach but a mentor to thousands of young minds. ,
There is a Bible analogy I love: “You may be the only bible someone reads.” Well my dear friend, your example is so fitting with this quote. One of love and humility, and sometimes in this day an age of controversy constantly filling our ears, the best guy finishes first!
Ethan, you are truly a treasure and an inspiration to all that you come in contact with.
Editor’s Note: Scott Reed is the son of Margie and Barry Reed of Auburn. He
served 23 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major. He had what he calls a “very diverse career,” serving as a Drill Sergeant, an instructor at the Drill Sergeant School, and in all leadership positions from Squad Leader to Command Sergeant Major. His career consisted of five combat tours, four in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, and he was honored to be awarded with three Bronze Star Medals. He served in the 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Infantry Division, and the 82d Airborne Division. He and his wife reside in San Diego and have five children. I taught Army JROTC at Morse High School, retiring last year and is currently enrolled in a Biblical Studies program at San Diego Christian College.