In the late 50’s and early 60’s, Dick Tanner excelled as a three sport athlete for Big Piney High School. This 1961 graduate was a four-year letterman in football and basketball and earned an additional three letters in track. It was his competitive spirit and leadership qualities that elevated this athlete above many that he played with and against.
During Dick Tanner’s four years as a football player, the Punchers won twenty-six games while losing only five. An undefeated team in 1957 was followed two years later with a Wyoming State Championship season. It was during this championship run that Tanner exhibited his leadership and competitive qualities. Late in the last quarter of the first playoff game, quarterback Tanner severely sprained his ankle. Despite a doctor’s wishes to cast the ankle, Dick’s father and Coach Low asked for time to consider the options.
Two days before the semi-final game, Dick left his crutches at home and practiced with the team. With their quarterback on the field, the Punchers defeated Lingle, 20-14, and the following week defeated Moorcroft to bring the state championship trophy to Big Piney.
Dick concluded his football career his senior year by leading the Punchers to a six and one record and a second place conference season. All-Conference honors were bestowed to Tanner during his last two seasons as well as All-State honors his senior year. Dick Tanner’s biggest honor, however, was being named the 1959 Most Valuable Player as voted on by his fellow teammates.
Dick continued to play as a walk-on at Arizona State College, now known as Northern Arizona University, in Flagstaff, before hanging up his cleats.