By Derrick Smith

Athletes do not become successful overnight. Instead, it is a culmination of hard work and dedication. Tanner Morris says that hard work is key to being the best you can be. And it does not matter if you are with your team or by yourself, you always have to give it your all. 

“It takes a lot of sacrifice and hard work behind the scenes,” he said. “Putting in the time when the cameras and newspapers aren’t around to capture it.”

Morris is a senior at Shawnee high school, where he is a member of the basketball team. He plays shooting guard and small forward for the Wolves. Basketball is a sport that has been a part of Tanner’s life since he played in his first game when was in the first grade. He fell in love with the game then and has played it ever since.

There have been numerous people that have made an impact on Morris’ life over the years. He says that out of all of them, there are a few that have had the biggest influence on his life.

“My biggest influences and role models are my parents and my older brother,” he stated. “My parents push me to be the best that I can be day in and day out. And I look up to my older brother a lot because he played at Shawnee before me and I wanted to be like him. Someone else that impacted my life was coach Kilby. He was a great coach who put a lot of value in integrity, character and hard work.”

Throughout his career, Morris has had some great personal and team moments. But he says that while narrowing it down was not the easiest thing to do, he said a team accomplishment would have to be his favorite.”

“Winning tournament MVP of the East Central Classic was a big personal highlight,” he said. “But back to back state tournament appearances by our team are hard to beat.”

After he graduates from high school, Tanner already has his sights set on the future. 

“I have been accepted into OSU’s Psychology (pre-physical therapy) program. I am really excited about that.”