2025 Interview with Austin Dahmer Grove City Christian grad and Lead Prep Academy Commit

 

Austin Dahmer

Grove City Christian School

College: Lead Prep Academy

Wide receiver, strong safety, quarterback, and punt and kick returner.

5’9 185

Jersey Number: 6

Awards won or earned:

Freshman-Honorable Mention League

Sophomore—3rd Team All League

Junior Honorable Mention League

Senior—First Team All League, Second Team District.

HUDL LINK: https://hudl.com/v/2R3wWb

Let's go back to your final high school season. What were you feeling as you walked off the field for the last time as a high school football player?

To be honest, I felt sick and upset. Playing FNL with your brothers is something you will never do again. And it didn’t really settle in until that morning when we turned in our equipment. After everyone had departed from the game, I stayed there on the field for an hour straight talking to my running back. We discussed how much our class had grown and how much we wished we had more time. I want to wear that jersey again every single day.

What mark do you believe your class left on the Grove City Christian football program?

I believe that my class made a significant impact; we went from 0–9 to 8–3 and won the league, demonstrating to everyone that you must have faith in yourself and persevere through difficult times. My teammates and I did just that every day: we went out and performed to the best of our abilities in every game.

What was the highlight of your high school football career?

My career highlight was when, with 17 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, we were tied with Fisher Catholic 14–14. We called a play that we knew would work to determine whether we won the MSL Cardinal, and I called the slant with my quarterback. We read it perfectly, and he threw it to me, and we scored, won that game, and took home the MSL trophy. That game was fantastic, and it was undoubtedly a memorable way to round out the regular season.

Which win meant the most? Explain

Fairfield Christian, those were our competitors, the people we disliked from the moment we arrived as high schoolers. When I was a freshman, I recall them dancing on our field and having a great time. They won the following year, and the juniors beat us by a field goal at the final second. However, we arrived at their location and defeated them 49-0. Our team's drive to win was something else that night, and we prepared diligently throughout the entire week, so it was the best thing ever. I will always remember the bus ride and will never forget those moments.

Which loss hurt the most? Explain

Worthington Christian, my senior night loss was the one that devastated me the most because that game was very different from the one we played with them the previous season. Our team, in my opinion, played amazingly both offensively and defensively. We moved effectively. I also had a fantastic game. But without my teammates, I couldn't have succeeded. My line held up beautifully, and my quarterback was spot on, but we lost, and that was painful.

What are you going to miss the most from playing high school football?

Playing with my brothers is what I will miss the most, and messing with the coaches during the practices. The best thing, in my opinion, was the memories we created during practices, bus trips, and even sidelines while we were up on teams. The pre-game vibe you get and knowing that you get to do it with your brothers was an incredible feeling, and I am definitely going to miss that too.

What would you change about your high school football career if you could?

I wasted time trying to play quarterback because I thought that was my position from the beginning, but in reality I should have been playing wide receiver or safety instead. So if I could change anything, it would be my position. Although I obviously could have performed better, I had the most fun playing those spots this season and made an impact in every game.

Who was the best team you faced during your time at Grove City Christian?

My freshman year against Berne Union was the best team ever. We had little chance of winning because of the wetness, poor turnovers, and everything else working against us. They destroyed us. However, we knew what we had to do and how to recover, so I give them credit for helping us improve and build for our future seasons.

Who was the best player that you faced along with the team he was on?

There are three distinct individuals. Hobie Raikes on Worthington Christian will be the first thing I say here. He was THE quarterback, an incredible athlete, and a great kid who threw the ball with great skill. Dominic Singer from Newcomerstown, who is RB quick, elusive, and just insanely talented, would have to come in second. Last but not least, one of our league's best dual-threat quarterbacks was Nate Nemeth of Berne Union.

Would you share with the readers some of the schools that you heard from before you made your college choice?

Yes, indeed I can. I received ten offers; Heidelberg University was the first, then the OAC followed. Ashland and McPherson College were my two division offers, and I liked each of them; I never had any issues with either. And I was appreciative of any coach who helped me and recruited me in this process.

What made you decide on Lead Prep Academy?

I ended up choosing Lead Prep Academy because I knew I would still be eligible for NCAA while using two years of eligibility, and it wouldn’t hurt me, and I wanted the opportunity to grow as a person and player. I've always wanted to play in the NFL, and I think that joining a reputable collegiate team will help me achieve that goal while also fostering a sense of brotherhood. And with their coaching staff, I could tell that those could come true.

Can you tell the readers about Lead Prep Academy?

Lead Prep Academy is a JUCO, or community college, that helps you grow as a person and achieve your goals. Their coaching staff consists of knowledgeable men who will help you become a better person. It helps you keep four NCAA years for whichever division you attend, and the reason for that is it aids you for two years without wasting your eligibility. They will also help you prepare for your next college by helping you improve your GPA.

What are you hoping to major in at college?

My goal is to major in sport and fitness management and administration. Since I've always been interested in sports, I believe I could grasp this major rather well and that it would benefit me in the long term.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas is my favorite holiday because I love spending time with my family, knowing the true meaning of the Christmas, and enjoying the snow and how it makes everything so sentimental and special.

What scares you?

I think my biggest fear is not reaching my personal goals and completing the one thing I've worked so hard to do: make sure I can reimburse my mom for everything she has done for me. I lost my dad to cancer when I was ten years old, and I know that raising three children is difficult, so I want to give back to my mom and get myself where I want to be, and I will make that happen.

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