Tristan Moss (B.A.’ 96, Organizational Communication)
How were you involved on campus? I played football and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Board
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Current Location: Beverly Hills, MI
Job Title and Company/Organization: Sr. Director of Sales, Stryker Flex Financial
Story
My high school to college experience was a bit different than normal. I attended high school in Cincinnati and as a football player I was being recruited by several colleges across the country. If you asked me during my senior year where I would go to play college football, I would have told you the University of Kentucky. Getting recruited is an awesome experience because as a high school senior, multiple college coaches call to sell their school, football team and the local community.
I received my scholarship offer to Kentucky and was ready to accept. The following weekend after much persuasion from Coach Greg Hermsen, I took my first trip to Michigan. I found myself in Kalamazoo in January, and by the end of the weekend, I knew that this was where I was supposed to be. It also helped that one of my potential teammates, a big linebacker, Pete Tuffo, threatened to hunt me down if I did not become a Bronco. That, plus the school and experience, was enough for me and I committed to Western Michigan University.
At the time, I had a dream of playing in the NFL, but I was focused on getting a great education, being part of building a great football team, and preparing for a career in business. My classmates, professors and leaders like Jeff Stone all helped me grow academically to be ready to step into the business world. I am grateful to my teammates and coaches for the experience of playing football at a high level. It is amazing to be part of a team and learn to celebrate the wins and grow from the losses together.
Finally, I am forever grateful to our former President Diether Haenicke, as well as Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard for taking a special interest in me and my development. My experience at Western culminated on my graduation day where I had the opportunity to either play football or join fellow current alumni board member Greg Dobson on President Haenicke’s team. I respectfully passed on the amazing opportunity to work for my alma mater and followed my dream to the NFL. When my football career was done, Western was still there for me and led me to my next challenge at Stryker.
I think about my time at Western often. My wife Dawn and our kids are all Bronco fans and we enjoy visiting WMU. I am thrilled that I made the right choice back in high school, and I am forever grateful that I became a Bronco.
Go Broncos!!!