The steady sound of strides pounding against the pavement has become second nature to Ryan Chelesnik, captain of the boys varsity cross-country team. 

Whether leading his team through early morning workouts or pushing himself to shave precious seconds off his time, Chelesnik’s dedication, perseverance, and leadership have earned him the title of November Male Athlete of the Month.

Known for his dedication, perseverance and leadership, Chelesnik is an integral part of the team’s success. His journey in running began during the  summer before eighth grade, when a friend invited him on a run.

“I liked running throughout elementary school, so I thought, ‘Why not?’” Chelesnik said. “I enjoyed it and decided to keep going. Track freshman year naturally led me to cross country, and it’s been my passion ever since.”

Balancing a rigorous training schedule with academics has been one of Chelesnik’s biggest challenges. 

“It’s a huge time commitment,” Chelesnik said. “You’re practicing for hours daily, attending outside training sessions and trying to stay on top of schoolwork. But if you manage your time well and don’t get distracted, it’s doable.”

Chelesnik described a typical week during the cross-country season: races on Saturdays, one or two intense workouts during the week, and lighter recovery runs on other days. In the off-season, he maintains his routine with daily runs, extra training on Mondays and Wednesdays and long runs on weekends.

Cross country coach Colin Cornforth, who also teaches AP US History and US History, spoke highly of Chelesnik’s dedication. 

“Ryan embodies what it means to be a student-athlete,” Cornforth said. “He’s disciplined, hardworking and a true leader. His ability to inspire others and push himself is remarkable.”

One of Chelesnik’s most memorable achievements was breaking the two-minute barrier in the 800-meter race, a goal he worked toward for over a year. 

“When I finally did it, my reaction was over the top, but it felt amazing,” Chelesnik said.

Mental preparation is a cornerstone of Chelesnik’s approach to running. 

“Visualization is key,” Chelesnik said. “You have to plan for how you’ll feel — both the good and the bad. Instead of dreading the pain, I tell myself, ‘This is part of running. I’ve accepted it, and I’m ready to handle it.’”

Chelesnik also highlighted the importance of teamwork in cross-country. 

“It’s much more of a team sport than people realize,” Chelesnik said. “We push each other during races and practices. At league finals, one of my teammates was ahead of me, and I sprinted the last 300 meters to catch him. That kind of dynamic helps everyone improve.”

Teammate Eila Smith (11), emphasized Chelesnik’s role in building team camaraderie.

“Ryan is great for our team,” Smith said. “He’s always there to support us, whether it’s during practices or important races. His encouragement makes a huge difference.”

Chelesnik’s advice to younger runners is rooted in his own experiences.

“Don’t go too hard too soon,” Chelesnik said. “I’ve seen so many freshmen get injured because they overdo it. Take your time, focus on injury prevention and listen to advice from coaches and teammates.”

Cornforth echoed this sentiment. 

“Ryan’s success is a result of his steady progression and commitment to doing things the right way,” Cornforth said. “He’s a great example for younger athletes to follow.”

Chelesnik plans to continue his running career at Cal State San Marcos.

“I’m thrilled to take this next step,” Chelesnik said. “Running has taught me so much about perseverance and self-improvement, and I can’t wait to see how I grow as a college athlete.”

Being named Athlete of the Month is a special honor for Chelesnik. 

“It’s a huge accomplishment,” Chelesnik said. “We have a tradition of naming an Athlete of the Week for cross-country, but this recognition feels like a big step up. I’m truly grateful.”