Pictured (L-R): Ethan’s father, Wayne Nissen, and mother, Heather Wagner, with the equipment they’ve donated to ESC in memory of their son.
The family of an East Sac County (ESC) student who died following a tragic accident in December of 2017 has made a generous donation to the school to honor their son’s memory. Ethan Nissen was 17 years old and a junior in high school when the loader he was operating on a farm near Wall Lake overturned. Earlier this year, his parents, Wayne Nissen and Heather Wagner, presented the ESC athletic department a double-rack weight station from Power Lift in Jefferson with the number 15 emblazoned along the top bar; the same number their son wore often while playing football, baseball and multiple other sports. Ethan was also involved in extracurriculars off the field, such as National Honor Society or competing in industrial technology contests. According to Wayne, you always knew Ethan would give all his effort, regardless of the activity.
After much deliberation, he and Heather agreed the best way to remember Ethan and his steadfast commitment to improving himself would be to provide a way for all students at East Sac County to do the same. Whether it is early morning lifting during football, basketball or volleyball seasons or as a part of daily physical education classes, Wayne says every Raider who uses the new equipment will be honoring their son.
He adds the gift also serves as a thank you to the many people in the area who were so supportive of the family following the accident and continue to remember Ethan to this day.
The weight station has been set up in the East Sac County weight room, and students are encouraged to use the equipment frequently in pursuit of the same goal Ethan was known for: bettering yourself.
