“Never give up, never surrender.”

These are the words echoed by Ohio State junior John Ealy when talking about the challenges that come with running Division I men’s cross country.

These words have taken Ealy from a first year track runner in 8th grade to one of the best collegiate runners in the nation.

Ealy, who first had ambitions to play soccer at the high school level, decided to give cross country a try in high school.

“My dad ran cross country in high school and through college, so that played a part in influencing me to try cross country,” Ealy said.

Father knows best, as Ealy almost instantly became a force in high school cross country. During his four years at Reynoldsburg High School, Ealy established himself as the greatest male runner in school history. He ran at the state meet three times, leading the Raiders to a fifth-place finish his senior year when he finished second individually. He credits his high school coaches for helping him develop as a runner.

“Our coaches always wanted us to get better, to never settle for less,” Ealy said.

When it came time to choose a college, Ealy did not hesitate.

“Everyone that grows up in Columbus wants to go to Ohio State,” Ealy said. “I always wanted to be a Buckeye.”

The feeling was mutual, as OSU offered Ealy a scholarship and a spot on the cross country team. Ealy responded and was named the Big Ten freshman of the year. Last year, Ealy proved his freshman campaign was no fluke, as he improved his times and helped OSU place 11th nationally, its highest finish in history.

“He came in and did very well, almost was an All-American in his first year,” senior Glenn Collins said. “He’s also been able to improve, and is one guy I’m looking forward to helping us have a great year.”

In his third year, Ealy has set higher standards for both himself and his team.

“My goal is to be top ten in the Big Ten, as well as an All-American,” Ealy said. “My goal for the team is to first win the Big 10, and get to nationals.”

While the Buckeyes are talented enough to achieve these lofty goals, the young squad will look to Ealy, Collins, and the rest of the older runners to pave the way.

“I learned from (departed OSU All-American) Brian Olinger and other guys that I ran with earlier who had great leadership, and I hope to do the same with the guys now,” Ealy said.

That desire to teach and help others may lead Ealy to a coaching future after college.

“I always like helping someone else out, seeing others continue to get better,” Ealy said.

Before he fulfills any coaching dreams, however, Ealy still has nearly two years left running for the Buckeyes. If these next two are as good as the first two, Ealy could be in elite company when his time at OSU is done.

“John is a tough, fantastic cross country runner,” coach Robert Gary said. “As long as he stays healthy, he could be one of the best runners ever at OSU.”