Pampa Harvester Athletes of the Week (October 26 - November 1)

Photos courtesy of Charla Shults

Orion Taylor is a sophomore swimmer on the Harvester swim team. For Taylor, success in the pool is about more than just competing. It is about putting in the work, improving with each meet, and working toward the ultimate goal of qualifying for the state swimming championships.

Taylor, who was selected as this week's Athlete of the Week, said receiving the recognition is a reminder that his hard work is paying off.

"To be named Athlete of the Week, it feels like a small goal was just completed," Taylor said. "I say this because I put a lot of effort into this sport, and because of that, I was able to be named Athlete of the Week."

With the swimming season underway, Taylor has his sights set on continuing to improve and hopefully earning an opportunity to compete at the state level.

"My goals for the rest of the season is to improve and definitely make it to state in one of my events," Taylor said.

While swimming is his only competitive sport, Taylor has plenty of interests outside of athletics, including art and creating things.

"Something people may not know about me is that, other than swimming, I also really enjoy art and creating stuff," Taylor said.

Those creative interests also play a role in his plans for life after high school. Taylor hopes to pursue opportunities in film or art while also continuing his education in a field that would allow him to explore another one of his passions: space.

"My plans after high school is to try and get a job either with film or art, but also to try and go to college to get a degree that will help me be able to build or work with space stuff and like rockets," Taylor said. "Because I enjoy looking at stars and the interesting facts about them."

His interest in space and how things work also helps explain why physics is his favorite subject in school.

"My favorite subject definitely has to be physics," Taylor said. "I find this one to be my favorite because of all the different stuff we do with the labs and how physics works in general. I find it very easy, fun and enjoyable."

Whether he is working toward a personal best in the swimming pool, creating something through art, or learning more about the universe, Taylor has a variety of goals and interests that keep him motivated.

For now, his focus remains on improving throughout the swimming season and working toward his goal of representing Pampa at the state championships.

Pampa Head Swimming Coach Jeremiah Day praised Taylor for his leadership, dedication, and willingness to help his teammates improve both in and out of the pool.

"Orion is the current team captain, works hard and puts in extra practice on his own time," Day said. "He's willing to train others and actively seeks to better his performance. He sets the standard and the rest of the boys strive to meet it."

Paxton Daniels is No. 9 and a sophomore wide receiver and defensive back for the Harvester football team.

Pampa Harvester sophomore Paxton Daniels has been named Athlete of the Week for his dedication and commitment to athletics. Daniels, who competes in football, basketball and baseball, continues to work toward improving his skills and preparing for the future.

While many people know Daniels for his involvement in athletics, there is something about his family that people may not know.

"Something people may not know about me is that I have twin sisters," Daniels said.

Being recognized as Athlete of the Week is something that Daniels appreciates, especially with the time and effort he puts into his sports.

"It means a lot to me," Daniels said.

With the football season nearing its conclusion, Daniels is focused on continuing to improve and preparing himself for next season.

"My goals are to show up every day and compete and get better for next year," Daniels said.

Football is not the only sport Daniels enjoys competing in, as he stays involved in athletics throughout the school year.

"I play baseball and basketball," Daniels said.

Looking ahead to life after high school, Daniels hopes to take his athletic abilities to the next level and continue playing one of his favorite sports.

"I plan to play college football or baseball," Daniels said.

Outside of athletics, Daniels also has a favorite subject in the classroom, one that allows him to learn about events and people from years gone by.

"My favorite subject is history because I like learning about the past," Daniels said.

As Daniels continues his sophomore year at Pampa High School, his focus remains on showing up, competing and improving each day while working toward his goal of playing sports at the collegiate level.

Position coach Jason Farmer praised Daniels for his relentless work ethic, attention to detail and competitive spirit, qualities that make him a deserving recipient of the prestigious No. 32 honor.

“Paxton is one of those guys that you love having on your team,” Farmer said. “He shows up every day and works his tail off. He makes sure he knows what his job is and exactly how he needs to do it. ‘Bones’ is a fierce competitor and he brings that edge when it is time to compete. It is enjoyable coaching this young man. Great things are ahead of him.”

Congratulations to Orion and Paxton for representing the Harvesters with pride, dedication, and leadership.