Dingus selected 2022 Upper Lakes Conference player of the Year

Published 4:51 pm Thursday, June 16, 2022

Andrew Dingus’s work ethic started in Middle School when most of his friends were playing Vance Varsity as 7th graders, and he wasn’t. That off-season set in motion a kid who stepped up his focus when he wanted to play baseball only. That was when Andrew and his dad were going three, four or five trips to the cage or the field each week. There wasn’t an off-season other than making him take a month off to rest. But, although he spent many frustrating days dealing with things out of his control, he didn’t quit.

   Dingus has been on the Tennessee High School varsity since he was a freshman. The Vikings made it to the Regionals in his Junior year and was selected the Upper Lakes Conference Player of the Year while he also made the All-tournament team and All-Conference.

Dingus’s record was 5-0 pitcher on the year with three saves as he only pitched as a relief pitcher. He got his first start pitching and his first full game against Unicoi County in the elimination game in the tournament. Andrew pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts and gave up only one earned run, sending his Vikings to the District title game. It sent the Vikings to the District championship and secured them a trip to the Regionals. His dad Travis said, “You always want the best for your kids. Lisa and I expect them to be accountable in all situations. We are truly proud of him.”