Fairfield continued to celebrate its seniors who have committed to competing at the next level with two more college athletic signing ceremonies Monday afternoon at Fairfield Jr/Sr High School.
Noah Mast will take his basketball talents to Huntington University, where he will play for coach Kory Alford and the Foresters.
Ethan Hochstetler had always dreamed of playing college football, and that dream is now a reality as he has signed to play for coach Alan Hansell and the Grizzlies of Franklin College.
Mast helped Fairfield to one of its best seasons in program history, the Falcons making the semi-state for just the second time ever. The versatile 6-6 point-forward gave teams all sorts of matchup problems, as Mast shot 46 percent from the floor, but also 35 percent from three-point range. His per-game averages of eight points, five rebounds and 2.5 assists helped the Falcons to a 20-win season and a NECC tournament championship, and him personally, All-NECC honors.
Mast also excelled on the tennis court, part of NECC league and tournament titles in 2023.
Hochstetler is a three-sport standout at Fairfield, but centered his love to football. Also an excellent wrestler and thrower in track, Hochstetler paired those two sports into his pursuits as a footballer, and it showed this past season on the gridiron. The All-NECC offensive lineman was a team captain and MVP, but also a 2023 Colts Man of the Year nominee. His work on the O-line helped the Falcons to 23 rushing touchdowns, but his defensive work on the edge had Hochstetler record 92 tackles, four blocked kicks and a fumble recovery. The four-year scholar athlete and honor roll recipient was named IFCA All-State his senior year.
Mast is looking to get into accounting for his academic pursuits while Hochstetler is aiming to start working on a business degree.
Noah Mast, Huntington University, accounting
On playing in the ultra-competitive Crossroads League: “I’m looking forward to finding my new role, whatever that may be, with Huntington. I’m hoping that I can play that role well. Obviously, when you go into a league like the Crossroads League, you’re going to see top notch teams every night. I’m really looking forward to that, because the competition every night is going to force me to elevate my own game.”
Ethan Hochstetler, Franklin College, business
On anticipating the upgrade in speed and physicality of the college game: “It’s a lot more technical when you get to the college level. I love breaking down film and skill work, and feel I’m ready for that. I have been an offensive lineman for a long time, and learned about the physicality of the game at those positions. I love playing tight end as well, the way those blocks are set up, and it presents a chance to get a ball or two if need be. But I have always been a defensive guy, specifically defensive end. The speed, the power you can use at that position, that’s my favorite.”