Tong Is A Builder And A Building Block

Article reprinted courtesy of Fargo Forum and reporter Eric Peterson.

MOORHEAD — Concordia offensive tackle Ethan Tong likes to build things in his spare time with an affinity toward woodworking.

One of his favorite projects was an outdoor patio bar with multiple tiers that his parents have in their backyard. He built that during his senior year at West Fargo High School.

"It was kind of all by myself and I really didn't have too much help," Tong said.

Now a senior for the Cobbers football team, Tong has been a reliable building block for the team's offensive line. Concordia starts its season at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, against Wisconsin-Eau Claire in nonconference NCAA Division III football at Alex Nemzek Stadium.

Tong is entering his fourth season as a starter.

"He takes so much pride in what he does and his craft and he gets better every year," said Cobbers head coach Terry Horan. "It's a comfort level seeing him on the edge on that left side."

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Tong has transitioned into being one of the team leaders. The Cobbers were 5-5 last season with a 4-4 record in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Tong likes the vibe of this team heading into the season-opening game against the Blugolds.

"Building off last year, the connections that we have on the field has grown exponentially," Tong said. "We're starting to build a lot of chemistry on the field."

The Cobbers averaged 33.3 points and 400.8 yards per game last season and return starting quarterback Cooper Mattern.

Mattern led the team in passing and rushing yards last season. He completed 59% of his passes for 2,446 yards and 25 touchdowns in 10 games. Mattern also rushed for 524 yards and seven TDs on 144 attempts.

"He leads from the front," Mattern said. "He's a smart player. We have great open communication, his ability to relate what he's seeing out to me and what I'm seeing out there."

Tong plans to attend dental school following his football career. He did a mission trip to Costa Rica in the summer of 2023 and helped assist in providing free dental care.

"It really made me want to stick with it," Tong said.

In addition to his woodworking skills, Tong has also built multiple computers, including one during high school and one while at Concordia.

"I have a ton of different hobbies." Tong said. "I like using my hands a lot."

Horan said Tong's value goes beyond his performance on the football field. He's also one of the team's captains.

"He's a student of the game, he understands the game, he's an incredible leader," Horan said. "He's a really good teacher, too."

Tong said he's noticed the shift in being one of the team's leaders heading into Saturday's game. The veteran teammates he used to play with earlier in his career have graduated.

"The thing I've noticed is walking around campus, just the faces you don't see anymore," said Tong, who has 29 career starts. "Now I'm walking around seeing guys younger than me and in the locker room, too. It's a little different now I'm an older guy and being a senior and a captain."