If you have followed Chapman High School sports over the last 4 years, no doubt the name Hank Tolleson is one that stands out.
The senior has been making big plays his whole career, both on the diamond and the gridiron, excelling at both. No doubt that excellence comes from the competitive athletic pedigree of his family. Hank’s dad, brother, and sister have all played sports both at the high school and collegiate level.
“My dad played football and baseball for Spartanburg High School and continued playing baseball at both Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford. He was eventually drafted by the Cleveland Indians as an outfielder before retiring from the game to be a corporate manager. My brother Paxton played football and baseball for Chapman and was part of the 2019 State Championship team. He went on to play college baseball for Augusta University. My sister Regan was also an athlete at Chapman, playing basketball and soccer while also running cross country. My brother and sister have both displayed and encouraged me to give my best in everything and set my goals high. We are a very competitive family but support each other also. We all want the best for each other and value family very much”, said Tolleson.
That’s not to say that Hank doesn’t also get a lot of influence and encouragement from his mother, who he says taught him to always be tough and remain calm no matter what happens.
There has been a common theme among all the athletes whose stories have been told this season – starting at an early age, often playing multiple sports along the way. Tolleson’s origin is no exception.
“I started getting into sports at age 6 by playing baseball”, said Hank. “I played rec ball until I made it on a travel team at age 9. When I entered middle school, I started playing basketball and football along with baseball and now I play both football and baseball as a high school senior.”
Being a two-sport athlete at CHS has been a good thing for Tolleson, having the opportunity to be influenced by multiple coaches and develop skills that carry over across both sports and his everyday life. It is an experience he will never forget or regret.
“Playing multiple sports has been one of my favorite parts about playing for Chapman. I have played under 3 different coaches – {Harry} Cabaniss, {Steven} Fusaro, and {JD} Goodwin. They have been invaluable to me, teaching me the importance of hard work, respect, and leadership. As a whole, Chapman’s staff appreciates and values its athletes on the field and in the classroom. It’s part of why CHS has been considered a top competitor in the 3A level in all sports”, said Hank.
When you have two sports that you excel at, the question has to be begged – how do you choose a favorite between the 2. For Hank, that answer is an easy one, rooted deeply in his family history.
“While playing both sports has given me plenty of opportunities to showcase my skills and abilities, if I had to choose, it would be baseball. It has been a part of my family for three generations starting with my dad being drafted out of college”, he said.
Being a dual-sport competitor has also produced some great memories. Hank recalled 2 in particular.
“In football back in 2023, we upset Byrnes as huge underdogs. That was amazing. But, personally I will always remember my first varsity baseball game with fondness. I was called up as a Sophomore. We were playing a ranked team in Belton Honea Path and I got the nod at third base. That same night, I got both my first start and varsity hit”, Tolleson said with pride.
Off the field, Hank enjoys a simple yet typical teen life that is rooted in faith.
“Obviously, I am very close with my family. I enjoy spending time with them as well as friends”, said Tolleson. “I also enjoy my hobbies like golfing and water sports. But, one thing I want people to know most about me is that I put my faith in Christ above all. I always like to keep my priorities in check.”
While Hank’s high school football chapter closed with the Panthers’ 29-15 first-round playoff loss to Palmetto, his future is still wide open ahead of him, not only with baseball season right around the corner, but also with college.
“My hope is that after graduation this spring, I will have an opportunity to play football or baseball at the collegiate level. Regardless of whether or not I am able to play ball at the next level, college is still in the near future with my plan being to get some sort of business degree”, he stated.
Hank would want his tale closed out in no other way than to give some advice for those who aspire to be the next great 2-sport star or just an aspiring youth in general. “Always give 110% in absolutely everything you do, whether that be on the field, in the classroom, in the weightroom, or at practice. It is important to know that you have given it everything you have. Otherwise, you will have regrets.”
