Personal Bio:
Tanner was born a couple weeks before Christmas in 1996 to Rob and Amber Grant. He was always a very happy baby, independent and learned very quickly. Tanner has an older sister Courtney, they are 5 years apart. She definitely played a huge part in his life Courtney was an example in the home because she excelled academically as well as in the sports she played.
Tanner earned many awards in grade school from citizenship to academic recognition. He played flag football, tackle football, basketball and baseball during his grade school years. Tanner continued to do well academically in junior high while participating in football, basketball, baseball, tennis and wrestling. Tanner was also was Student Body President in 8th grade demonstrating his leadership skills.
During high school Tanner maintained a high GPA, represented his class as student body vice president, secretary and treasurer. He also was part of DECA, traveling to New York his senior year. As a freshman Tanner earned his varsity letter in Football and Baseball and played JV for Basketball. All four years of high school Tanner played Football, Basketball and Baseball. He was team captain and was recognized as an all-conference player all four years. He had the privilege of playing in the Shriners game his senior year. Tanner has been recognized by his team mates and teachers as a leader and an example to the younger kids.
Favorite high school memory?
First home run and varsity football game
What is something most people do not know about you? :
In my free time I like to read books, typically about History
Future plans?
I am going on a mission to Winnipeg Canada and will start college when I return.
When you "grow up" what is your idea of the perfect job?:
My idea of a perfect job is something that I will enjoy and be in a position to help others by being a good example.
What is the best advice you have ever received and from who?:
The best advice I have had was from my parents, they taught me the importance of working hard in school, maintaining good grades and when I’m playing sports to practice hard, work hard, be a good team mate and leader not only in school but in your community as well.
What advice can you give the kids coming up on how to get the most out of their high school careers?:
Advice that I would give kids coming up is, if you are passionate about something don’t’ give up and strive to do your best in school, getting good grades, actively involved in extra curricular activities. Surround yourself with good friends, those who have the same goals as you. Always help the “younger” kids, look out for them, be someone they can look up to.
Your thoughts on being selected as one of the inaugural IdahoSports.com Student-Athletes of the Year?:
I am extremely honored to have been selected as Student-Athlete of the year. I am proud to represent Payette School District and my Community. There are so many people through the years that have taught me the importance of maintaining good grades, work ethic and being a good person. I want to thank my community for their support.
Nominated by Troy Gleave, Vice-Principal at Payette HS:
"I moved to Payette eleven years ago and since that time Tanner has been a part of the football family at all the different levels. Tanner has been a varsity football player for 4 years and started since he was a sophomore. When you lay your eyes upon Tanner it is crazy to think that this young man, all 5’5 and 120 pounds was a starter as a sophomore on the varsity level, but that speaks to the level of the competitor he pushes himself to be.
Tanner is a diligent worker in every aspect of his life. He sets very lofty goals for himself and works to achieve those goals. Tanner wanted to get in the varsity game as a young freshmen and when we made the playoffs that year he was given the opportunity to practice with the varsity kids. Tanner took full advantage of that opportunity and won a starting spot on the kickoff team by beating out seniors and juniors who had that job the entire season. Tanner did not waste that chance; he had two tackles in the game. That is quite a remarkable feat for a young man whose stature is not physically big, but his heart carries him to do things the outward appearance makes you think he can’t accomplish.
Tanner’s accomplishments for his play on the field are directly the result of his extreme hard work in the weight room and extra speed training. Tanner is a gifted athlete but his strength and speed were holding him back from being a top-level player. His schedule at school is so full of Honors and dual credit classes he couldn’t fit in a lifting class. He made the choice to get up before school and lift so he puts the work in to make himself a great football player and freed his schedule up so he can take a full load of high level collegiate courses. He drove to Boise two times a week to work with a speed trainer while doing all of his class work, on top of participating in baseball. This commitment to excellence paid off because as a senior he is a 1st Team All Conference Player on offense and defense. That is an incredible accomplishment. Tanner finds a way to be successful no matter what challenge is placed in his midst.
Tanner is the true definition of a student athlete. He competes in the classroom setting and on the field of play at the highest level. Did I forget to mention that he is also an ASB class officer for the last two years? He is a great leader, motivated to achieve greatness, and works to accomplish all his goals.
Tanner is a great role model for our student athletes at the high school and beyond. My six-year-old son idolizes Tanner and my wife and I have encouraged and fostered that relationship. I can’t thank Tanner enough for being such a great role model for my young son and I can only hope he turns out a little like Tanner. Tanner is the student athlete I do want my son to grow up and be like. I give the highest recommendation to Tanner and I feel lucky I had the opportunity to work with and be around such a great young man. I have no doubt he will succeed in any endeavor he chooses."
|