Tanner Painting is a 17-year-old senior at Louisa County High School and a member of the varsity wrestling squad.
He has been wrestling in some capacity over the last decade since he was a young child, but he also enjoys being in the outdoors and just staying active.
“I like to be outside a lot, so I do a lot of hunting,” said Painting. “I also like riding four-wheelers and dirtbikes.”
Painting is the middle child of three; with an older brother and a younger sister that he said he takes under his wing.
Although he is known for being rather quiet and reserved, Painting has always been a natural leader. He lets his performance on the mat speak for itself, and it’s that same mindset that earned him the nickname “Tuff.”
“I’m not sure how I got that nickname,” said Painting. “My dad gave it to me when I was a kid and everyone has called me that since.”
Painting is keeping his options open after high school, and is prepared for whatever comes his way. He has district and regional championships on his resume, and also has maintained a 3.89 grade point average. It is because of all of these positive qualities that he was just recognized and awarded “student athlete of the month” for January.
“I thought I was just doing my own thing and nobody really noticed,” said Painting. “But receiving this award made me realize that a lot more people are looking at the things I do and paying attention much more so than I thought.”
