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Hiking trip turns into college home for Gellman
When Greencastle’s Ben Gellman went on a hiking trip to Colorado a few years ago, little did he realize that he would not only enjoy the state’s beautiful scenery but would also take the first step toward establishing a home for college.
Gellman, a GHS standout in both cross country and track and field, signed this week to run for Colorado College — a Division III school in Colorado Springs.
“Going to a small college in the middle of Colorado is kind of a dream,” Gellman said. “Getting to run there is just the cherry on top. I found the place I want to be academically, and talked to the coach.”
Gellman said the school is bringing in a good recruiting class to join him, and he’s looking forward to the chance to compete at the next level.
One of the factors that Gellman will have to adapt to is running at such a high elevation.
“The only time I’ve run up that high was on my visit,” he said. “It’s a little harder to breathe, but I’m looking forward to seeing what it can for me coming back down to places like Indiana.”
Gellman is undecided on his field of study, but is considering philosophy, political science or history.
“I have really enjoyed my time as a runner,” he said. “I have made a lot of good friends. I have cut down on my time a bit. Making it to the semistate in cross country was a goal of mine last fall; I hope to make it to the regional this year. I fell just short last year.”
Gellman is thankful for both teammate Emma Wilson, one of the nation’s best high school runners, and GHS coach Craig Jordan for helping in his development.
Wilson is a regular running partner, and helps him keep dedicated despite being a year younger than him.
“She’s been a great training partner, and keeping me accountable for getting my miles in,” Gellman said.
Gellman was up to 50 miles per week in cross country season, but has cut back to 45 this spring.
“Coach Jordan has been really great,” he added. “The amount of time he puts in, and the kind of atmosphere he has created on our team, are outstanding.
“I hadn’t broken 11 minutes in the 3,200 until he came, and last year I got down to 10:30,” he said. “I feel I approach running and know how to train much better from running for him.”
Jordan has enjoyed having Gellman on his team, and sees a bright future for him.
“Ben has been great to work with,” he said. “He has been very receptive to what we have done the past two years, and has been a great leader for us. ”I’m excited that he’s going to be running next year. He should be a lot quicker with being able to run more miles.”
Jordan thinks the elevation can help Gellman in the long run.
“He may not like it at first,” he said. “But it will pay off when he goes back to sea level.”