06/15/2026
🏃Athlete of the Month: Look Out for Chase Ruffer Running in New Albany!
Running is a challenging sport, and we have a local student who has worked hard to accomplish so much. Chase Ruffer has quietly put in the time to build his strength and endurance and has had some amazing accomplishments. He began running in 6th grade after receiving encouragement from a football coach.
That decision was an important one, and only a year and a half later, Chase ran in the State Middle School Cross Country Meet and finished first. The season leading up to this achievement was exceptional as well, having set the New Albany Cross Country Invitational record with a time of 11:24, and setting the Backwoods Cross Country 2 Miler Invitational record with a time of 10:27.
Most recently, Chase broke the 15-year-old school record for the 800-meter race with a time of 2:06 while participating in the Dublin Middle School Invitational. This impressive run has Chase looking toward even greater challenges in the State Track Meet. Chase will be among the top-ranked runners for the 800 meter and 1600 meter races, and the New Albany Middle School team will likely have at least one relay that he will compete on.
Chase plans to continue running in both track and cross country during high school. During middle school track Chase has run the 400, 800 and 1600 meter distances, as well as contributing to relays in the 400 and 800 distances.
Chase’s family moved to New Albany from Portland, Oregon a few years ago, and he has loved being a part of this community along with his Mom, Dad, brother Jake, sister Kate, and of course the two family cats Flynn and CJ.
Chase is a great example of hard work and discipline, and he hopes many younger students at New Albany consider trying cross country and track since it has been such a meaningful experience for him.
🖊Charlie Naumoff, NAMS Writer
