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Ellis Gensamer
Senior running back Ellis Gensamer delivered one of the defining performances of ELCO’s postseason, carrying 25 times for 194 yards and two touchdowns while adding a two-point conversion in a 28–21 District 3 Class 4A First Round victory over Kennard-Dale. His power, poise, and reliability fueled an ELCO offense that once again found its rhythm at the right time of year. This performance earned Gensamer LebCo Athlete of the Week honors in our Autumn Encore voting.
Gensamer’s impact this fall stretched well beyond one playoff night. His steady presence out of the backfield played a key role in ELCO’s impressive turnaround, as the Raiders battled back from a 1–4 start to win a postseason game for the second straight year. It also marked the third consecutive season that ELCO reached the second round of the District 3 Playoffs—an achievement that began during Gensamer’s sophomore campaign.
Head Coach Bob Miller described just how much Gensamer meant to the program: “Ellis is an outstanding selfless leader for the football team who does a lot of the dirty work that goes unrecognized in our option offense. When called upon he is always ready, and we are extremely proud he was able to carry the rock and the offense in our playoff game.”
Reflecting on the season, Gensamer echoed the pride felt within the locker room. “It was a good season that sadly ended when we played Susquehanna Township in the second round of playoffs. There were many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way—playing my senior year with my best friends.”
For Gensamer, contributing went far beyond rushing yards and touchdowns. “I helped contribute to the team any way possible whether it was playing on a Friday night or giving the varsity defense a good look at practice. I also wanted to help out the younger guys.”
Like many successful athletes, he credits a strong support network. “Thank you to my parents, coaches, and teammates,” he said, noting that overcoming substantial injuries along the way was part of his journey.
Gensamer also excelled individually, finishing the year as a Second Team All-County selection in a particularly deep field of Lebanon County running backs. Athletic talent runs in the family as well—his brother, Ira Gensamer, was a First Team All-County kicker in the 2023 season.
When he’s not training, Gensamer enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, and playing video games. A self-described die-hard Steelers fan, he said to think of his playoff performance as having a bit of Jerome “The Bus” Bettis in it—steady, physical, and ready to rise to the moment when the team needed him most.
Looking ahead, Gensamer hopes to continue his playing career at the next level. “My long-term goal is to play four years of college football,” he shared.
And what keeps him coming back to the sport? “Seeing the hard work pay off and playing with your friends.”
Congratulations to Ellis on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week. Best of luck to him as he moves forward—if his play on the gridiron is any indication, he will rise to big occasions to find success in life.
Photos by Heather Daub / ELCO Football
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Bella Paquette
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Madelyn Witt
Past Male LebCo Athletes of the Week
Anthony Figueroa (Week ending 11/2)
Dylan Ramsey (Week ending 10/26)
Damion Santiago (Week ending 10/19)
Jevan Marquette (Week ending 10/12)
Travis Furmanski (Week ending 10/5)
Gavin Yeiser (Week ending 9/28)
Benjamin Allwein (Week ending 9/21)
Landyn Kline (Week ending 9/14)
Owen Fisher (Week ending 9/7)
Bryce Yocum (Week ending 8/31)
Devon Englehart (Week ending 8/24)
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