VYPE: You’re already an all-state swimmer and state champion on the golf course. Does this season feel like the “last dance” to you?
Gunner Hamon: For swim, yes, it feels like the last dance because I am not pursuing swim in a college level, not for golf. I still have a few tournaments for high-school and four more years of tournaments in college.
VYPE: What is there left to be accomplished?
GH: I still have a goal of beating the school record for swim and earning another state title in golf.
VYPE: Is this final golf season more special or promising than others? Why?
GH: Being a senior, it is definitely a different feeling knowing every tournament will be my last tournament ever in high-school. I won’t be able to play with the younger class men I have played with since I was a sophomore and it will be hard to not play in anymore tournaments with them.
VYPE: Why was NSU the right choice for you? 5. Does it relieve any pressure to already be signed this season?
GH: NSU was definitely the right choice for me. I feel like I am wanted there unlike other places. Everyone on the golf team is so nice and coach [Scott Varner] has been amazing so far. I can’t wait to play for him in the future. It does take a little pressure off knowing that I’m committed to a place where I want to go and pursue my athletic as well as academic career. And knowing all I need to do is go play.
VYPE: What do you hope to be remembered for at Altus? Is it important for you to represent your school?
GH: I hoped to be remembered as a great leader on and off the field and showing people you can accomplish anything you truly put your mind to. I think representing Altus High School is a very good thing because it is a great place.
VYPE: What are your fondest memories from playing high school sports?
GH: My best memories playing athletics in high school is being around great people when we celebrate our wins as well as our losses, knowing we can learn from them. And having everyone push for what we all want (a state title) in the sport we all play.
VYPE: Which of your teammates, past or present, has inspired you the most?
GH: Canyon Bain and Natalie Blonien have inspired me the most. They have both showed me how to put in hard work in the right way to be successful in the pool, on the course and in life.
VYPE: What piece of advice has a coach given you that stuck with you?
GH: The best piece of advice I have gotten is “don’t let your worst enemy live between your ears” from coach [Linda Wiginton].