Harrison’s DelliCarpini Hurdles Around The World

Claudio DelliCarpini is a track and field standout on the national and international level before the age of 20. But when Patch caught up to the standout Harrison graduate, he was more than willing to reminisce about his days on the Harrison football field.

Claudio DelliCarpini was a superb athlete at Harrison High School from 2006 - 2009. But, like nearly ever other high school athlete, he wasn't the best of the best from the beginning. He was a varsity football kicker as a freshmen, but quickly set his goals higher, and looked for other ways to contribute on the field.

"I Immediately felt the stigma of being just 'the kicker'," said DelliCarpini. "So I think after that fall season I made it a point to assert myself in other sports and other positions on the football field. Somewhere between the end of my freshman year and the beginning of my sophomore year I began to really get comfortable with my body."

With hard work and effort, along with some proper weight training, DelliCarpini evolved from being a special teams contributor to a formidable offensive weapon for the football team. During one of the biggest games of his career DelliCarpini caught a game changing touchdown. It was at that moment clearly entrenched in his to this day.

"I made a diving, one handed catch in the back of the end zone at Rye High School in beautiful October weather," DelliCarpini said. "I saw six thousand people explode out of their seats and scream in celebration. At that moment I made countless people proud to be a Harrison Husky."

Off the gridiron DelliCarpini is also regarded as one of the best track and field athletes in recent Harrison history and he still holds several school records.

"The highlight of my outdoor track season in tenth grade was my long jump of 23 feet and 1 inch," said DelliCarpini. "It broke Art Trolio Sr's 55-year-old school record, and talking about it with him the next day is a conversation I still cherish to this day."

DelliCarpini competed in track events in both the winter and the spring seasons and from day one he was a key member on both teams thanks to his natural athleticism and abilities.

Though the multiple sport athlete had several offers from some of the nation's top colleges and universities he chose to go to Clemson University on a track scholarship.

As a freshman DelliCarpini competed as a 110 meter high hurdler and finished the season ranked 60th in the nation and fourth on his team. Clemson has one of the deepest teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference and for a freshmen to do as well as DelliCarpini did in his first season speaks to his dedication and determination.

"I feel that there are three aspects of college life: social, athletic and academic. You have to give up one. Considering I went there to run, and to run I need solid grades, I cut ties with quintessential college social life. Practices drain you anyway. It doesn't bother me though, because when I'm done running I will still be young, and I will play catch up in the social department then," he said.

Though his accomplishments as a high school and collegiate athlete alone are exceptional, DelliCarpini spent this summer continuing to challenge himself in international competition.

DelliCarpini spent a good portion of his summer training in Milan for the under 20 championships in Canada.  The IAAF World Junior Championships were held in Moncton, Canada and DelliCarpini was running for the Italian team.

"I am running for Italy and to say this experience has been incredible would be a severe understatement," said DelliCarpini. "To see all the best athletes from every corner of the world come together is truly special."