By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

DESTREHAN – Destrehan offensive lineman Ethan Hutson is used to playing in front of large crowds every Friday night. But even Hutson was a little unnerved by what stood before him on Thursday morning – even if he was understandably proud.

As Destrehan held a pep rally in its gym full of his classmates, teachers and coaches, Hutson was seated at a table with DHS head coach Chris Stroud coach and representatives from the U.S. Army. Indeed, the senior was the man of the hour: he was one of only 90 high school football players nationwide — among millions — to be selected to play in the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

As part of the All-American Bowl, each player is honored at a selection tour event in his hometown. Thursday’s was Hutson’s tour event, and his time to shine.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking,” said Hutson of the event. “They told me it would be Thursday. I just didn’t want to mess up the thank you speech.”

The tour crosses the country through late fall and by its end will have selected 90 players, in addition to 125 band and color guard members who will participate in the game on Jan. 8, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas. The event is televised nationally on NBC.

“I did a double-take,” said Hutson, recalling his reaction when he learned of his selection. “”It’s really the same game I see every year on TV? I was, and am, just so honored.”

Sgt. Sean Gronning was one of the representatives at the event and said that Hutson was selected as much for his off field character as his on field performance.

“Academically and athletically, it came down to his outstanding performance on and off the field,” said Gronning. “It’s a chance for the first time to really have the limelight, something big and national … it’s good for him and good for the school.”

Hutson’s mother, Sherri, was out of town when her son heard the news. She was occupied when she was first contacted about it … but after a few more tries, she decided to see what the fuss was about.

“After seeing 30 texts on my phone, I said, ‘Maybe I better step away and take this (call),” said the proud mother. “It’s wonderful to see his hard work paying off.”

His father, Mark, said the announcement sent him through “all the emotions”. He imparted some wisdom to his son before the season began.

“As one of just 90, you need to live up to your end of this,” he told his son. “It’s a commitment to play up to the honor of being chosen to play in that game … I’m just extremely proud of Ethan. All of the work he’s put in over the years, as a parent to see it come down to this is an amazing feeling.”

Stroud echoed Ethan’s parents. He said that Hutson “had a long way to go” when he arrived at Destrehan, but that his work ethic allowed him to make up all that ground and then some.

“He’s earned this, no question,” said Stroud.

With a smile, he added: “They told me I get to go to San Antonio too. I feel like I’m off to Disney World.”

And as for the Wildcats’ star lineman … how does he feel about being one of the elite few?

“It just hasn’t sunk in yet. Hopefully it will soon,” said Hutson.