Vindicator Fall Athletes: Tristan Dahmen

At the peak of his training, Maplewood senior cross country standout Tristan Dahmen was buying quite a few pairs of shoes. Reason being, during that time, he was running about 90 miles a week (Yes, you read that right).

It’s hard to argue with the results, though, considering Dahmen led the Rockets to two Division III state championships the past two seasons, while also capturing two individual state titles in the process.

“Just a lot of preparation,” Dahmen, a two-time Vindicator Athlete of the Year, said about his extensive training. “[Two championships] really shows that we have a lot of perseverance and go after our goals and we’re able to achieve them. Nothing is over heads — or I’d like to think that. I’m very proud of my team and myself.”

At this past state tournament, Dahmen — who will continue his cross country career at Youngstown State next fall — finished less than two seconds shy of the D-III record as he finished first.

“Individually, I couldn’t ask for a better race,” he said. “It means the world to me. I’m glad I was able to represent the school, our tradition and all the coaches that have given me advice. I was glad to see that reward.”

Four years after entering the Maplewood program unaware of his talent or potential, Dahmen — who also possessed good soccer skills — called all his individual and team accomplishments “unreal.”

“At first I had no idea how good I was, to put it in those terms,” he said. “I came in as a freshman and was running great times — at the time I didn’t even know they were that good, to be honest. ... But as soon as I found out and people around me told me I had talent, I committed myself to the sport.”

Next, he’ll hope to carve a similar path with YSU.

“I’m really excited to get there,” Dahmen said. “I love the facilities and the teammates and the coaches. Everything there just seems to work and it’s gonna be a great fit.”