Auburn, ME - For cross-country runner, Viktor Tripp, CM was the perfect fit in terms of academics and athletics. The main reason he decided to attend CM was because it was close to home and would provide a smooth transition to college life. CM was a place where he would feel welcome and cared for, unlike other places. Academically, it provided the opportunities for him to focus on certain subject areas that he felt needed improvement. "It's a great academic opportunity to take extra time and strengthen your knowledge in certain subjects that you left out in high school before transferring to a four-year school," added Tripp. The school was his ticket to a "dream life" and he knew what kind of life he wanted to live, so going to college was essential to that plan.
As a member of the cross-country team for the past two years, Viktor has found success and looks forward to where the journey takes him. His outlook on being a student-athlete facing challenges is admirable. Tripp states, "First and foremost was to embrace the fact that nothing comes without a cost. So, you either go all in, or don't try. There are no losers, only winners and those who put sweat and tears into perfecting specific activities to be the best. I knew that if I failed, I wouldn't regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying." With that mindset, Tripp has won back-to-back cross-country team MVPs and has placed at the Yankee Small College Conference Championships the previous two seasons. Most recently he finished second at the 2022 YSCC Championships with a time of 30:27.
The CM cross-country team is looking to build on a growing program as Head Coach Brian McDonald will also be coaching the track & field team this Spring. To no surprise Tripp has planned on being on that team as well as he will look to compete in the running events. In the meantime, you can find him in the fitness facility at CM or when the weather finally warms up, outside running laps around the school. There's no question that Viktor Tripp enjoys running and with his outlook on life, there is no limit to where this journey will take him.
