Chon Etem Ulusan is a senior at East Jefferson high school in Metairie, Louisiana. He is the Long Snapper for the team and plays some defensive line. He comes in standing 5’10” and weighting 220 pounds. Although having a 3-5 record now, the warriors are looking to win the next two weeks to get a playoff spot and behind the leadership of Ulusan.
What got you into playing football?
My step-dad got me into playing football in the 3rd grade. He was the one that was the enforcer that helped me find football again. I played during the summers before my parents split but he got me back into it.
What do you love the most about the game?
One thing that I love about the game is that it is like a painting. All the pieces and keys must go come together to make a beautiful picture. If one key is missing, then the painting will never be complete. It’s just like on offense, defense, or special teams everyone must do their job and make sure the keys are together.
What impact has football made on your life?
It has made a huge impact on my life. I want to keep pursing it because of that impact and take it to the college level. Schools have noticed me, and Louisiana Gridiron Football has noticed me.
What other hobbies do you have besides football?
Well I love to play basketball and paint. I am in talented art and it is something I really enjoy. I love to help my school and I love to help improve the community any way possible.
What kind of leader are you for your team?
All the seniors share a leadership role on the team. There is no one certain leader. There are a few aggressive leaders like myself who try to help improve the team. Teammates come up to me and tell me things and I am the one who tries to help improve them and take action.
What do you see you and your team accomplishing the rest of the season?
Me and my team are in the mix right now. We are fighting for a playoff spot and need to come out these next two weeks and win big so we can show the LHSAA that we deserve a spot in the class 5A playoffs.
What do you see for yourself in the future?
I want to go to college and major in petroleum engineering. I want to go to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette because their petroleum engineering program is awesome. I would also want to try to play for their football team as well and snap for them. I want to continue and get my masters and eventually get my doctorate degree.
What is the biggest inspiration in your life?
My biggest inspiration would definitely be my mom. After my mom and dad split, she continued to raise me with my step-dad to be the man I am today. I was born in Turkey in Europe so being an immigrant wasn’t easy be she is the biggest inspiration.
