Athletes invest a lot of time and effort into being the best that they can be at their sport. While all that work is important, having people around you that will help you continually grow and improve is just as important.

Colton Dillingham has a number of people that have helped him become the person and athlete that he is today.

“Some of my biggest influences and role models have been my coaches throughout the years,” he said. “Also my family members, especially my parents, that have always shown up to my games to watch me play and give me encouragement.

“I’ve been fortunate to play basketball under some great coaches, from YMCA to travel ball through high school ball. Stacie Hobbs, Shane Norris, Paul Porter, Dustin Aman, JamesOn Curry, Brent Rousey, Devon Schafer, and Brady Kokojan have all been influential coaches and role models to me on and off the court.”

A sophomore at Drummond High School, Colton plays basketball and runs track for the Bulldogs. He has had some outstanding coaches over the years but Colton says that there is one person that has been the most influential on his life overall.

“My dad has made the biggest impact on my life,” he said. “My work ethic on the court is directly related to the work I do on my family farm and through my livestock projects in FFA. As my teacher, my dad has always stressed the importance of hard work. He’s always told me to give 100 percent no matter what I’m doing.”

Throughout his career, Dillingham has experienced some memorable moments, but he says that without the work that it takes, he would not have been able to enjoy those times.

“My success in sports has come from hard work and dedication,” he said. “I started playing basketball and baseball when I was four years old through the YMCA. Throughout the years, I’ve played on traveling teams like Enid Elite and JOC Elite which have kept me working and growing in the game.

“So far, the highlight moment of my career was winning the area consolation championship game against Vanoss who beat us in the regional tournament. That win gave our team the opportunity to compete in the state tournament. We are the first boys’ team from my school to make it to the state.”