Durham Shining as a Multisport Athlete for the Riverside Rebels . By : Brad Davis
The Riverside Rebels have enjoyed a lot of success in multiple sports over the last few years , and senior Thatcher Durham is a big part of that . Durham has had great seasons in golf , tennis , basketball , and baseball leading up to his senior year , and has already accomplished success at the highest level this fall . On the tennis court , he won the 2A State Individual Championship which helped the Rebels earn the 2A State Team title . Just before that , Durham led the golf team to a 2A-3 Runner-up finish by firing an 89 and earned a trip to the 2A State Golf Tournament at Glenwood Country Club . Now , with basketball season upon us and baseball in the spring , Durham looks to play just as big a role in hopes of experiencing similar success .
“ Being a multisport athlete , it has its own challenges with being at everything ,” Durham said . “ Working hard at everything and countless hours of practice helps show my success . I don ’ t balance most of my practices because my coaches always find the time gaps and schedule them in those time frames .”
The basketball Rebels had a great season last year and hope to make a run at a state title this season . Last year , Riverside were Co-conference Champions , District Tournament Champions , and Regional Tournament Runnerup . The senior sharp shooter was a big part of that earning All-Conference and All-Region for the Rebels . They eventually fell in the first round of the 2A State Tournament to eventual State Runner-up Marshall . They also beat the defending 2A State Champion , EPC Warriors twice , so the confidence to get to Hot Springs is there , and Durham helps lead that .
“ Yes , the tennis state championship makes me want to win more in other sports ,” Durham admitted . “ Especially coming into basketball knowing that we have a shot at doing something . I love all of the sports that I play , but the one that ' s at the top is basketball .”
Hoops are definitely the focus for Durham right now as his team navigates the season . He is aware of the things he needs to do on and off the floor to help his team reach the goals they have set for themselves . “ Every senior should set a role for any team that they are on because they have been there the longest and know what to do to achieve greatness ,” he explained . “ For me , getting better on the defensive end , rebounding , attacking the basket . I am more of a spot up shooter so making sure I can get the other stuff better will make a big impact on what I can do .”
Thatcher Durham credits his parents for giving him the drive and ability to accomplish so many things at Riverside . “ I would have to give credit to my mom and dad ,” he said . “ They are always there for everything that me and my family do , especially in sports . I still learn things from my dad just about sports alone .”
He has had several coaches in different sports as well . Each coach instills something different that he takes with him from sport to sport and in life . “ Coach Campbell has taught me to focus on whatever he is saying which has led to everything in life ,” he listed . “ Mr . Connor has taught me to always have fun no matter the outcome . Coach Hogard has taught me that hard work pays off . They are very similar in their way of