BY STEVE HASSEY

When Tommy Kauffmann ran cross country at Xavier, he trained by running home the six miles from Xavier to Mariemont each evening for a family dinner.

Now, Kauffmann, a member of Mariemont’s class of 2007, is coaching the distance runners on Mariemont high school’s track team, a place where he first set school records.

“He is somewhat of a local celebrity when it comes to running,” said Jeff Timmers, the head coach of Mariemont track and field.

Kauffmann travels from his job at the local running store Fleet Feet to the track team’s practices whenever he can to give advice to the runners.

“When I can be there, I help the distance runners through workouts and try to give them tips to be better athletes,” said Kauffmann.

His high school successes left a lasting impact upon the cross country team as a whole.

“Our current whole cross country workout was based upon his workout from high school,” said junior Charlie Jordan, who competes primarily in the 800 meter race.

Kauffmann currently holds the record at Mariemont High School for the 5k in cross country and the 2-mile in track. Junior Charlie Jordan is the closest any Mariemont runner has gotten to that record since Kauffman’s time in high school. During his freshman season, Jordan was 13 seconds short of  Kauffmann’s 16:22 record with a 16:35.

“There is no way I can get close to his 2 mile record, which is absolutely insane, 9 minutes and 30 seconds. But I’m definitely gunning for his 5k record next cross country season,” said Jordan.

In the next year, Kauffmann is training to qualify to run in the 2016 Olympics.

“The trials race is in February 2016, and to qualify I have to run under 1:05 in the half marathon or 2:18 in the full marathon. Right now I’m about 30 seconds off in the half, so I’m focusing on dropping my time in that, but I have until January of 2016 to do so,” said Kauffmann.

For the time being, however, he is attempting to recuperate from Achilles tendinitis. When he is available, he helps to set the workout for the track team.

“He’s come in, and he’s helping Mrs. Thomas to coach and what workouts to do and how much. How many hills and how many repeats,” said Jordan.

Terri Thomas, the coach of the distance runners for track and health, appreciates the extra help.

“Tommy is a wonderful young man and excellent role model for our runners–on and off the track,” said Thomas.

In all, she enjoys the company of her former student.

“I love having him back on the MHS track!!” said Thomas.

Here’s a list of Kauffman’s top times at each level:

2006: 5th place in the 3200 at State (9:38)
2007: 10th place at State XC (16:22)
2010: 1st place Atlantic 10 indoor 3,000 (8:20)
2011: 1st place Atlantic 10 outdoor 10,000 (29:54)
2014: 7th place Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon (1:05:28)