High school athletes can have a number of people that they look up to. Whether it is a professional athlete, a celebrity, or someone a little closer to home, the impact that they can have can be big. But for Tanner Dawes, his biggest role model is someone that he knows very well. 

“The biggest influence on me is my younger self,” Dawes said. “He set big goals for me so now I am trying to live them out and accomplish them.” 

Dawes is a senior at Perkins-Tryon High School, where he plays football and baseball. Another person that has had an influence on Dawes’ life is one of his coaches. 

“Coach Hoggat has been important to me,” Dawes said. “He was just a big influence on me, always making me the best player and man I could be. I also like a lot of his social media posts. A lot of them are religious and they make me focus on my walk with God.” 

Dawes has put in many hours of work in order to become the player he is. He keeps himself focused because he has seen the work pay off. 

“It takes a lot to be good at any sport,” he said. “Working during my free time and spending extra hours and late nights working to be my best. I keep myself focused because I want to show them I am better than they think I am. The highlight moment of my career would have to be hitting my first home run against Cleveland during my sophomore year.” 

Dawes said that he appreciates all of his teammates in both sports. 

“All of my teammates make me better and I help make them better,” he said. “I think one of our least appreciated guys is Korbin Miner. He works hard and does a good job, but doesn’t get the love he deserves.” 

Being able to wear the Perkins-Tryon name on his uniforms is important to Dawes. 

“It means the world to me,” he said. “I love representing my community. It’s amazing when we win, and when we lose, gotta take the highs and the lows with your head held high.”