Tanner Reihs Goes from Eagle to Bear

Tanner Reihs Goes from Eagle to Bear

Lisa Patrick

The Ashland Beacon

Fairview High School’s graduating class of 2025 bid farewell to one of its brightest stars on May 30—Tanner Reihs. At 18 years old, Tanner has officially hung up his Eagle wings and is ready to take on the next chapter of his journey as a University of Pikeville Bear.

Tanner has been a proud Fairview Eagle his entire life, growing up in the tight-knit community surrounded by lifelong friends. "I’ve been with the same group of people since kindergarten," he said. "There’s a special bond we carried, having gone to school together our whole lives."

Throughout high school, Tanner dove headfirst into campus life, embracing leadership, service, and athletics. “I wanted to be involved as much as I could with how small our school is,” he explained. His resume is stacked: Key Club, Beta Club, Youth Leadership, Future Business Leaders of America, and Bridgebuilders. Not only was he a member—he was a leader. Tanner served as spokesperson for both Bridgebuilders and Beta Club, vice president of the student body, and captain of both the basketball and baseball teams.

"Being involved in different things and having the role of being a leader made me better as a person," he shared. "It changed my attitude for the good."

His involvement wasn't just about titles—it was about impact. Through Bridgebuilders, Tanner joined students from other schools in projects aimed at creating meaningful community solutions. One such effort was a hygiene drive, where students collected and distributed essential items to those in need. "We sent hygiene products to people who really needed them," he said. “Something small can change someone’s life.”

In the Youth Leadership to Graduate program, Tanner helped prepare customized care baskets for local families—some for kids, others for adults. "Seeing their smiles when they got them made it all worth it," he recalled.

And while his service work brought fulfillment, sports were Tanner’s playground. He competed in four varsity sports—football, golf, basketball, and baseball—but it was baseball where he truly shined. “I’ve been playing and loving baseball since I could hold a bat,” he said with a grin. His hard work and talent earned him a spot on the University of Pikeville’s baseball team, where he’s eager to grow both on the field and in the classroom.

To get a head start, Tanner took advantage of dual-credit college courses offered at Fairview by ACTC instructors, knocking out four core classes before even stepping onto Pikeville’s campus.

Originally eyeing a degree in sports management, Tanner shifted gears when Pikeville didn’t offer the major. He landed on business administration, confident in the path ahead. “I’m looking forward to doing something I’ll succeed in the most.”

When asked if he’d change anything about high school, Tanner didn’t hesitate: “I wouldn’t change a thing. But if I could go back, I’d start at freshman year and not take a single moment for granted. It flew by.”

Tanner credits his journey to the unwavering support of those around him. “First, I want to thank God for getting me through everything,” he said. “And my mom and dad—for always being there, through school and sports. I also want to thank the rest of my family and friends who’ve helped me along the way.”

From Fairview Eagle to Pikeville Bear, Tanner Reihs isn’t just chasing his dreams—he’s living them. And something tells us, he’s only just getting started.