Written by Wendy Smith
Photo courtesy Fan Zone by Wendy
To be successful, you need to set goals, work hard, and above all, never give up. For Tanner Mobley, a senior at Stigler High School, those three rules helped him achieve his ultimate goal of playing college football.
“I have wanted to play college ball ever since I picked up my first football in second grade,” said Mobley.
Recently Tanner signed to further his football career at Lyons College in Batesville, Arkansas surrounded by his teammates and family.
“It felt amazing,” said Tanner. “I love every one of them like they’re family and they helped me get to where I am today.”
Although Tanner committed to play for Lyons, he was also offered a scholarship from Southwestern College Kansas, Tabor University, and McPherson University.
“I picked Lyons because it was the one that felt like home to me and coach Douglas showed a lot of interest in me,” he said.
Tanner has been a member of the Stigler Panthers varsity football team for the past four years. This season the talented running back led the Panthers’ offense with 1,490 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. In addition to football, he has also been active in basketball for one year and powerlifting for four year placing third in the 168 pound weight division at the 2022 state competition.
“Tanner Mobley was a fantastic running back for us this year,” said Stigler’s head football coach Cade Shearwood. “His leadership and work ethic was a major factor in us going 8-3. We will miss him.”
Not only has Tanner had a successful year on the field, but the senior captain has also excelled in the classroom. Recently he was named a 2022 Class Salutatorian. Some of his other honors include a 4.0 GPA, Superintendent’s Honor Roll for four years, Academic Achievement Award for four years, Oklahoma Honor Society for four years, 2021 football captain, 2021 3A All-Star Running Back, 2021 All-District 3A-3 Running Back, 2021 Offensive Player of the Year, and the 2021 Ironman Award.
Those who know Tanner would agree on two things, his work ethic and his character. When asked what character meant to him, he responded “character shows who a person is and how they do things.”
Throughout Tanner’s life, he has had the support of his friends and most of all his family. However, the one that has guided him and who he looks up to the most is his father.
“My biggest inspiration is my dad,” said Mobley. “He is the hardest working and unselfish man I have ever seen and one day I want to be able to provide for my family as he does.” And lastly, he added,’ work in silence and let success make the noise’- a motto that he lives by. After high school, Tanner plans to major in business and as always, put his best foot forward.
