TEMPE, Ariz. – McMurry University's Tanner Wright (Ft. Worth, Texas / North Crowley H.S.) – a standout track & field athlete and football player (kicker) for the War Hawks – continued to build his case for a spot with Team USA at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. On June 15-16, Wright earned three medals – two gold and a silver – at the 2018 Desert Challenge Games, held at Arizona State University.
 
(Wright has a condition called Arthrogryposis, which shrunk his joints when he was in the womb. Wright's left arm did not fully develop. Additionally, he has gone through minor issues with his ribcage and left leg, as well. As a youth, Wright had three surgeries at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas.)
 
At the Desert Challenge Games, Wright won the 100-meters in the T46 class in a time of 11.05 seconds on the Joe Selleh Track.  Wright then also won the 400-meters in a personal-best effort of 50.62 seconds. 
 
Wright was second in the long jump with a mark of 6.64 meters (21'-09.50"). It was his first effort competing in the long jump at a para-athletic event.
 
Last May, Wright competed at the U.S. Paralympic Championships in Los Angeles, winning the 200 and placing second in the 100. In July, Wright was selected to Team USA at the World Para Athletics Championships in London, finishing fourth in both the 100 and 200, while also running on the 4x100 relay with Team USA.
 
During his two seasons on the McMurry campus, Wright has helped the War Hawks' track and field team to an American Southwest Conference championship in 2017 (competing in six events) and a runner-up finish in 2018. He was a two-time National Christian College Athletic Association All-American with McM's 4x400 relay teams, indoor and outdoor, in 2017.
 
On the gridiron, Wright was an All-NCCAA first team and second team All-ASC pick as a freshman in 2016, when he set a school record for consecutive extra-point kicks made. In 2017, Wright battled a leg injury that sidelined him the latter portion of the season.
 
The Desert Challenge Games began in the early 1980's with a small group of track athletes from Arizona Disabled Sports  (AzDS) competing against track athletes from Tucson, Ariz. In 1990, Desert Challenge Games grew to include swimming and weightlifting. In 1991, Desert Challenge was held at Arizona State University and was the Far West Regional qualifying event. Desert Challenge competition grew again to include Archery, Table Tennis and Rifle Shoot. In 1997, 2004 and 2012, the Desert Challenge organizing committee hosted Junior Nationals.  The Desert Challenge organizing committee also hosted the 2008 Paralympic Track and Field Trials.