News Summary

A group of talented distance runners from central Ohio has joined the Syracuse University men’s track and field and cross-country teams. Connor Ackley, Ben Gabelman, and Sam Ricchiuti, all fresh from impressive high school careers, aim to make their mark at the collegiate level. As they transition from rivals to teammates, they look forward to competing and growing together. The influx of talent from Ohio showcases the region’s potential in athletics and promises exciting developments for future recruits.

Central Ohio Distance Runners Shine as Newcomers on Syracuse University’s Track and Cross-Country Teams

In Syracuse, New York, a trio of talented distance runners from central Ohio has made a big splash as they join the Syracuse University men’s track and field and cross-country teams. Connor Ackley from Hilliard Davidson, Ben Gabelman from Westerville North, and Sam Ricchiuti from Dublin Jerome are ready to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

Meet the Stars

Connor Ackley is a sophomore who’s already made his mark with an impressive 18th place finish in the 10,000-meter race at last fall’s NCAA Northeast Regional. His track record speaks volumes—literally! Ackley racked up a series of impressive wins in his senior year, clinching the Division I state cross-country title alongside both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters at the indoor state track meet. He didn’t stop there; he also secured those same titles at the outdoor state meet. Such an outstanding performance earned him numerous accolades, making him a stellar contender and a true standout as The Dispatch’s Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year, Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year, and overall Boys Athlete of the Year.

Then there’s Ben Gabelman, who knows a thing or two about success as well. Gabelman mirrored Ackley’s achievements in 2024 during his senior year at Westerville North, bringing home both the Division I cross-country title and championships in both indoor and outdoor track events. Now, as a freshman, he finds himself embracing the challenges of college athletics and reveling in the chance to compete against other elite athletes while traveling across the country.

Rounding out this impressive trio is Sam Ricchiuti, who capped off his high school career with an exhilarating win in the 3,200 meters at the Division I state meet last spring. Like Gabelman, Ricchiuti is also a freshman this year and is looking forward to the joy of camaraderie that comes from competing on the same team as former rivals.

Teammates, Not Rivals

The transition from high school rivals to collegiate teammates has been a refreshing experience for these runners. They now share a bond that strengthens their training and supports each other’s growth as athletes. While Gabelman and Ricchiuti get ready to take on track in the upcoming spring season, they will also be redshirted for cross-country in the fall, allowing them some time to adjust to the collegiate level without the immediate pressures of competition.

Looking Ahead

But they won’t be the only ones from central Ohio making waves at Syracuse University. Joining the team this fall will be Charles Guerrera from Dublin Jerome and Andrew Walton from Fairfield Union, both of whom have proven to be exceptional talents. Guerrera comes off a stellar performance finishing as the top central Ohio runner in the Division I state cross-country meet, taking home a very respectable ninth place. Meanwhile, Walton claimed the Division II state title in cross-country for Fairfield Union, marking his second consecutive individual championship.

Ohio’s Rich Talent Pool

Coach Brien Bell has recognized the wealth of talent in the Columbus area, making it an important focus for recruiting at Syracuse. He observes that the Northeast simply does not boast the same caliber of runners as Ohio and Michigan, raising the profile of central Ohio’s rising stars. As the pipeline continues to extend from central Ohio to Syracuse University, it appears that future high school distance runners from that area can look forward to having their own chance at showcasing their talents at the collegiate level.

In summary, the arrival of these promising athletes at Syracuse University marks a new chapter in their athletic journeys. With their background filled with accolades and a passion for the sport, Connor Ackley, Ben Gabelman, and Sam Ricchiuti are certainly poised to leave their mark on the track and cross-country scenes. It’s an exciting time to follow their progress as they take on new challenges head-on!

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