‘I really wanted to be the best’: Westerville North’s Gabelman chases state title
Thursday, May 16, 2024
By Michael Rich
mrich@cbussports.com
Westerville North’s Ben Gabelman runs out front during the OCC-Capital championship meet in the 1600m race at North May 11. Photo: Kevin Rouch
Ben Gabelman has finds motivation in lots of different ways as he attempts to win a state championship in track this spring.
The senior distance runner, who is committed to Syracuse, won a state title in indoor track last winter after winning one in cross country in the fall.
It’s his teammates that have helped fuel Gabelman’s fire in his pursuits this spring.
“Those are the guys that are pushing you every day,” said Gabelman, who won a Division I indoor title in the 1,600 (4:08.79) after winning a Division I cross country title (14:51.7) in the fall. “Coaches, family members can tell you everything they want. But at the end of the day, they’re not the people that are out there racing with you. We’ve all put in the effort to (get) to the level we’re at now and we’re all doing it for each other.”
Gabelman is competing in the 1,600, 3,200 and as a part of the 3,200-relay team in pursuit of the state meet May 30, 31 and June 1 at Welcome Stadium in Dayton.
Motivation comes in other forms too. Gabelman finished second in the 1,600 meters in 4 minutes, 9.07 seconds at last year’s Division I state meet.
“There’s all the workout stuff but at the end of the day, you just got to be mentally there when it comes to postseason time,” said Gabelman, who teamed with Dellasanta, Wise and 2023 graduate Andrew Bracken to finish 16th in 3,200 relay (8:02.41) at last year’s state meet.. “I go into this knowing I’m prepared and I’m ready for the postseason gauntlet. I’m very confident in my abilities.
“Placing second (last year) meant a lot to me. But it was a little disappointing just because I went in thinking I had a chance to win it all.”
Gabelman, Michael Dellasanta, Casey Carlos and Gabriel Wise already took the first step in their bid for state when they won a district championship in 7:47.35 on May 14 at North.
Westerville North’s Ben Gabelman is congratulated by a teammate after winning the 1600m race at North May 11. Photo: Kevin Rouch
The group also won an OCC-Capital Division championship at 7:44.70 last week.
At the league meet, Gabelman took titles in the 1,600 (4:11.89) and the 3,200 (9:04.05) to set a program record. It’s the third time he’s won a league title in the 1,600 and the third time he’s been a part of the league-winning 3,200 relay.
The Warriors took the team championship with 153.5 points, beating out Big Walnut (123).
Gabelman qualified for the district final in the 1,600 (4:59.82) on May 14 and will compete in the 3,200 on May 18. He won a district title in the 1,600 last season (4:17.82).
“He’s always been a hard worker,” said coach Johnny Jackson, who leads both boys and girls track and field and girls cross country at North. Nick Horton is the boys cross country coach and leads distance in track. “That part has never changed. Ever since he was a little kid, he’s been a hard worker. What has changed is that each year, he’s getting a little more comfortable (and) he’s (gaining) a little more confidence in himself. He’s extremely coachable.”
Gabelman took up running in middle school as a way to stay in shape for soccer. But he quickly figured out that he was pretty good at it. Still, it didn’t come without its challenges.
Westerville North’s Ben Gabelman leads during the 3200m race at the OCC-Capital championship meet at North May 11. Photo: Kevin Rouch
“My first cross country race, I went out at 4:50 and was leading the thing and then I died really hard,” said Gabelman, who holds the program record (14:49.4) in cross country. “That was a big eye-opener for me because I thought I was going to be completely fine. That was not the case. My first goal ever was to go 15:05 my sophomore year and I didn’t get close to that. I just thought I was going to be great, so that was an adjustment for me.
“I always had the vision of becoming a great runner. I really wanted to be the best in Ohio. I think after winning a state championship (in cross country), it really puts it in perspective what I can do. Now I know I can go out and compete with anyone in the state.”
He was convinced he needed to run cross country to help him in his pursuit of a state title, so he gave up soccer after his freshman year.
“I just talked to him and reminded him that cross country can help his goals in track,” Jackson said. “As a matter of fact, I told him he might not be able to do it without cross country.”
Gabelman has had ups and downs along the way. But he has one simple philosophy that drives his success.
“I think just having fun with what you do is the most important thing,” Gabelman said. “If you’re not having fun, then it’s not even worth it at that point. No matter how much pressure, no matter how bad of a race you have or how good of a race you have … it’s just a sport.
“Throughout my whole entire career, I’ve felt like there’s been pressure on me from myself. I feel like that’s one of the main lessons I’ve learned is to have fun with what I’m experiencing because not everyone can have the experience that I’m having right now. I’m making the most of it and having fun.”
Westerville North’s Ben Gabelman (second from left) starts the 1600m race at the OCC-Capital championship meet at North May 11. Photo: Kevin Rouch