The Norse News Athlete of the Year is a traditional title given to the most elite male and female athletes of the senior class.

Number 15, standing at 6’0” and 185lbs, Andrew Dantin (12) made a name for himself on both the football and baseball field over his career with the Vikings.

After two successful seasons, he found himself the forefront of the varsity team. Leading the receiving core, his senior season Dantin put up some impressive stats. 40 receptions, 663 yards receiving, 16.58 yards per reception and finishing with 5 touchdowns.

When the Vikings needed some quick yardage, Dantin did not fail to provide for the team. Especially in big games, like in the 2021 game against cross-town rival Dorman, where Dantin found space and battled to the endzone to put the Vikings up and seal the game.

With this being said, the accolades earned by Dantin will last generations. Three-year letterman winner, permanent captain awards junior and senior year, 5A-Region 2 first team All-Region and All-State team junior and senior year. He also earned Offseason Player of the year, Max Robbins Award, and was named to the South Carolina Shrine bowl Team.

Needless to say, senior year was one to remember for Dantin. Wide receiver coach Grey Ramsey believes Dantin was the perfect example of what it means to do things the Viking Way.

“His leadership on and off the field was contagious, Andrew made everyone in our program better, including the coaching staff. His dedication and work ethic allowed him to be one of the best wide receivers in Viking history,” Ramsey said.

Out on the baseball diamond, he kept his performance of excellence, leadership and work ethic. Dantin was able to maintain a .265 batting average, 320 on base percentage, 14 hits, 6 RBIs and 7 runs. He has started at the centerfield position for the past three years and earned varsity letters all three seasons. The primary responsibility of a centerfielder is to catch any fly balls hit to the outfield and to make accurate throws to prevent opposing players on the field from advancing to bases. Centerfielders are often regarded as some of the most athletic players on the field, as they must be able to cover a lot of ground and have excellent speed and agility.

Though the coaching staff for the Vikings baseball program changed in the offseason, head Coach Jesse Dyar has had the opportunity to view Dantin’s leadership.

“Andrew is a great leader for us on and off the field. He is a great competitor, and represents Spartanburg High School greatly,” Dyar said.

Off the field, Dantin is known for his positive attitude and leadership qualities. He has been a role model for his teammates, setting an example of hard work, determination and sportsmanship.

Emory Butehorn (12) has been friends and teammates with Dantin for as long as he can remember. Butehorn has witnessed Dantin’s athleticism, competitive nature and leadership shape him into the athlete and leader he is today.

“Andrew has always pushed us to be become better and taught us being an athlete doesn’t mean anything without hard work,” Butehorn said.

There is no better representative for the Athlete of the Year award than Andrew Dantin, who has shown what it means to be a Viking through and through.

“Our community, our school and our football program are better now because of the impact of Andrew,” Ramsey said.