Campus News
September 18th, 2023
Hallenbeck-Sebold duo enters 2nd generation
Ethan Sebold – like his father – to play college baseball for GC coach
Ethan Sebold (center, front row) recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Garrett College for Lakers head coach Eric Hallenbeck (far right, back row). Ethan's father, Alan Sebold (far right, front row) also played for Hallenbeck when Hallenbeck was an assistant coach at Frostburg State University. Ethan's mother, Priscilla Sebold, is on the far left in the front row. Northern Garrett coaches, from the left in the back row, are Jamie Workman, Phil Carr, Jeff Carr, and Ed Carr.
The Hallenbeck-Sebold connection is entering its second generation.
Ethan Sebold, a 2023 Northern Garrett High graduate, has signed to play baseball at Garrett College. He'll be coached by veteran Lakers head coach Eric Hallenbeck – who also coached Sebold's father, Alan Sebold, when Hallenbeck was an assistant coach at Frostburg State University.
"I'm starting to show my age a little bit," Hallenbeck said with a laugh.
Hallenbeck said his history with the Sebold family goes even deeper than the two-generational coaching relationship.
"Ethan actually played with my son [Zach Hallenbeck] for two years," said Eric Hallenbeck, whose son will also be part of the 2024 Lakers squad after redshirting in the 2023 season.
"I'm glad I'm coming here," Ethan said of joining the Laker baseball program at GC. "It's close to home with a bunch of people I know. Chance Ritchey and Zach Hallenbeck were already here; Easton Rhoten and Myles Uphold are coming in this year, too. That's five of us from Northern Garrett."
Hallenbeck said Ethan – who played football, basketball, and baseball for the Huskies – could have dual roles with the Lakers.
"He could possibly be a two-way guy for us – pitching and also playing a position," said Hallenbeck of Sebold, a right-handed pitcher. "He comes from a great program. He's knows the game, he's a smart player, and a great kid."
Hallenbeck – heading into his 20th season as the Lakers' head coach – said Alan Sebold was a Northern Garrett High star who was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1995 after his high school senior season. He played catcher for three years at FSU.
Hallenbeck said Alan "had all the tools – great catcher, very strong arm, could block the ball and keep it in front of him, and he was a really good left-handed hitter."
"Eric was a catcher – he taught me how to block the ball," recalled Alan. "I'm tickled Ethan decided to continue playing sports in college, and I think it's great Ethan's going to Garrett."
The elder Sebold was inducted into the FSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. As a senior, he helped lead the Bobcats to a 28-6 record and the Allegany Mountain Collegiate Conference championship.
Ethan said he's looking forward to playing on GC's brand-new turf field.
"I actually walked on it," admitted Ethan of the not-yet-open field. "I go to the CARC [Garrett College-based Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex] and lift pretty much every morning. I think the field's awesome."
Ethan said he is in GC's General Studies program, scheduled to emphasize math and science courses as he prepares "for a pathway to something in the medical field."
