Football
5 to Know: Bishop Dwenger’s Houston Ellinger
Strong safety Houston Ellinger returns as the anchor of Bishop Dwenger’s defense after a breakout season in which he recorded 93 tackles. His stat line was loaded with impact plays — 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 12 passes defended, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception returned 38 yards for a touchdown — earning him Second Team All-Summit Athletic Conference honors. He was all over the field for the Saints defense that became one of the hardest-hitting units in Northeast Indiana, posting two shutouts and holding three opponents to single digits under 7th-year head coach Jason Garrett.
Athleticism runs deep in the Ellinger family — Houston’s brother, Hayden (linebacker for the 2018 Saints State Championship team), played football at Purdue, while his father, Todd, suited up for Purdue baseball. Check out the 5 to Know with Houston Ellinger!
Who or what has had the biggest impact on your athletic journey so far?
My older brother, Hayden Ellinger, watching him play and him teaching me how to play and hit hard.
What’s your pregame routine or ritual that gets you locked in?
I lie down with no music or noise for 5-10 minutes and visualize success.
What’s your proudest moment in sports — and why does it stand out?
Playing linebacker as a sophomore, weighing 150lbs. I felt that it proved to myself that physicality is more about your will rather than your size.
What are your goals — both short-term and long-term — in your sport or beyond?
Short term, I hope to help lead Bishop Dwenger to a state title. Long term, I hope to play college football and then stay and coach football at the college level.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you — on or off the field?
I can play the guitar…kinda
Up Next:
Ellinger and the hard-hitting Saints travel to Indianapolis Roncalli this Friday to open the season versus the Royals with a 7pm kickoff!
