April 18, 2024

Focus isn’t a problem for senior Tyson Crandall.

As a state champion and All-Ohio runner on the Warriors cross country and track and field teams, Crandall has spent most of the last four years refining his skills to be one of the best in the state.

“For me, it’s almost like a lifestyle, and that’s with a lot of stuff that I do,” Crandall said of his preparation mindset. “Pretty much, I ask myself if this is going to make me a better athlete. If the answer is no, then I’m probably not going to do it.”

Leading up to high school, Crandall focused on many sports, including soccer, baseball, and golf. However, during his freshman track and field season, he ran a time of two minutes in the 800m, which he said was “pretty good” and “one of the better times in the state and country for freshmen.” 

“I thought if I actually focus on this, then I can be a collegiate athlete and go to an elite academic school,” Crandall said. “That was always my goal. I was more focused on academics. But, then, I realized if I really go all in with running, I can accomplish both of those things.”

His athletic accomplishments did not come without hard work. Crandall explained that during track and field season, he usually runs about 20 to 30 miles a week, including visits to the gym for workouts. During cross country, the number is closer to 40 miles a week. He maybe takes one day off a week to rest and notes that he “prioritizes sleep.”

So far, that dedication and hard work have paid off. During his sophomore outdoor track and field campaign, Crandall earned his first trip to the OHSAA state track meet, finishing fifth in the 800m. He earned another All-Ohio recognition as a junior, finishing eighth in the same event. He also competed on the 4x800m team, finishing eighth that year. 

During the 2023-2024 winter sports season, Crandall finished his indoor track season at the top of his game, earning a state title in the 800m at the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Indoor High School State Championship Meet. He also helped the Warriors qualify for the 4x400m and 4x800m events. Last year, he finished third in the state in the 800m at the OATCCC meet.

“After being on the podium a handful of times before, it was exciting to actually win it,” Crandall expressed. 

With indoor track and field behind him, Crandall has shifted his focus to the outdoor season and the possibilities for him during his final year.

“Obviously, we have goals and things we are looking to do in the postseason,” Crandall said of his goals this season. “I want to win the 800 in outdoor, for sure. I hope some of our relays can make it back to the state meet. We did well in the 4x800m last year, but I’ve also been looking at the 4x400m this year as well. I hope to probably go after some of the school records in certain events.”

This semester, Crandall’s academic schedule is filled with advanced classes, including AP Probability and Statistics, AP World History, AP Environmental Science, AP Literature and Composition, and Advanced Civil Engineering and Architecture. Last year, he was one of 357 students in the nation to earn a perfect score in an AP Research course.

His determination to excel in academics and athletics helped Crandall secure an athletic scholarship to compete in cross country and track at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He plans to study Data Science this fall.

“Tyson competes on the track and in the classroom,” Fairview High School Athletic Director Jon Adams said. “He’s dedicated to his craft, both academically and athletically. I’m excited to see what this spring season is going to bring for him. I would love to have more Tyson Crandall’s in this building.”

“Whatever you’re interested in - and it doesn’t have to be running, but if it is, that’s good - just go all in with it,” Crandall said. “Obviously, I can leave Fairview with a state title and a lot of All-Ohio’s, and those things will stick with me, for sure…It’s my goal that I could leave Fairview, and people would say that’s the hardest-working kid they’d ever seen. Or at least, that’s what I’d hope they say.”