PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Area Sports Information Directors Association (Philly-SIDA) today released its Academic All-Area list for the 2025-2026 Men's Track and Field season. The team recognizes excellence on the field and in the classroom and is selected by vote from Sports Information Directors from the 30 area college and universities. Following an outstanding senior season on the track, Ryle Mellinger was named to the Philly-SIDA Academic All-Area team for the second time this season, following his selection to the 2025 Academic All-Area team for Men's Cross Country this past fall. Mellinger joins athletes from Haverford, Penn, Jefferson, Saint Joe's, Gwynedd Mercy, Ursinus, and Rowan on the prestigious list.

Mellinger capped off a brilliant senior season, running the fastest time in the Metro Region in the 3000 Steeplechase. The Glen Mills native was the MAC Champion in the event, running the race in 9:32.57, setting a new program record. Eight days later, he smashed his own record with a time of 9:12.60 at the Widener Final Qualifier. During the indoor season, Mellinger set program records in both the Mile Run and the 3000 Meter.

In all, Mellinger earned five medals across both the indoor and outdoor season. He was All-MAC Second Team in the 1500 Meter Run and the 4x800 relay outdoors, while also winning the MAC Championship in the DMR and Third-Team Honors in the Mile Run indoors. Mellinger also earned All-MAC First Team Honors in Cross Country back in the fall.

In order to be eligible for Academic All-Area honors, an athlete must be in at least their second year at the institution and hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or better. Rowan's Noah Wampole was named the Philly-SIDA Academic All-Area Men's Track and Field Performer of the Year.