After being named the Far West League's top offensive player in football, this three-sport star went on to become the school's first state champion wrestler since 1981. Douglas County Sports Online shines the Avista Athlete Spotlight on Douglas High School senior Tyson Dahl.
    
The Douglas County native grew up in Winston and always dreamed of one day wearing the school colors of crimson and white. Tyson was a natural on the playing field and had plenty of success early in his career. He also became one the standouts in a class of very talented athletes.

"There was a group of us that really got to know each other well and once we hit the fourth grade, we knew we had something pretty special," Dahl said. "Our goal was to be state champs in football."

His hard work paid off in the fall of 2010 when he was named the Far West League's offensive 'player of the year' after throwing for over 3000 yards and leading his team to the 4A state title game.

"We had a good group of receivers and some big linemen, which enabled us to score a lot of points," Tyson said. "Even though we fell short, it was a great experience and we accomplished so many things throughout the year."

Once football came to an end in December, Dahl immediately set foot on the wrestling mat to prepare for the 2010-11 season. The 152 lb senior completed a perfect career by winning his fourth consecutive district title and capped it off by completing a lifelong dream of winning an individual title.
 
"All my life I've wanted to be a state champion, but I got a wake up call when I didn't even place my freshman and sophomore years," Tyson said. "I kicked it into high gear my junior season and took third and this year, was able to lay it all out and come away with the win." 

Dahl became the school's first state champion since Ed Pruitt (106) won an individual title in 1981. Other state titleholders include two-time winner Mike Palmer (141) 1971 and (148) 1972; and Steve Fosback (123) in 1976.

Despite all of his achievements on the playing field this year, this 18-year old still has some more to accomplish. This spring, he will be the starting shortstop on the Trojans' varsity baseball team.

Tyson would like to continue playing baseball in college with plans on attending the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) in Klamath Falls majoring in radiologic science.