A local culinary team is a national champion.
SUNY Delhi’s hot food student team took first place at the 2025 American Culinary Federation Student Team of the Year national competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to a news release from the college. “The achievement reinforces SUNY Delhi’s reputation as a culinary powerhouse on the national stage,” the release stated.
After winning the Northeast regional title in a qualifier earlier this year, Team Delhi advanced to compete against champions from four other regions at nationals. In Las Vegas, they presented a four-course menu titled “Journey through the Catskills Mountains,” using locally sourced produce, dairy, fish and lamb.
Judges praised Team Delhi “for the flawless execution of their menu with balanced flavors, advanced techniques and polished presentation, awarding them a near-perfect gold medal score of 97,” according to the release. The team also earned high marks for timing, cleanliness and composure under pressure.
The championship team included captain Brennan Spencer, of Painted Post; Sarthak Thapa, of Delhi; Moses Rojas, of Bronx; Matthew Caliendo, of Massapequa; and Derik Cole, of Big Flats. Jahnasia Sutton, of New York City, and Joseph Kariuki, of Worcester, Massachusetts, supported the team as apprentices. The students were coached by Chef Victor Sommo and Chef Sean Pehrsson, “who guided the team through hundreds of hours of practice and preparation,” the release stated.
“We are relieved and overjoyed to have our hard work pay off,” Spencer said. “We’re proud to bring the trophy home to Delhi as national champions.”
“Each member of the team has been committed from day one and practiced relentlessly to perfect their dishes,” Pehrsson said. “They were able to execute the menu exactly how we planned it. As coaches, Chef Sommo and I couldn’t be prouder to see them pour their hearts into every detail and watch their dedication pay off — they were incredible. The critique from the judges was the best we’ve ever received as a team.”
“We are incredibly proud of Team Delhi’s outstanding achievement at the ACF National Convention,” SUNY Delhi Provost David Brower said. “They spent countless hours preparing for this important event, and their talent, discipline and teamwork were evident. This victory is a testament to their potential, and there’s no doubt their dedication will carry them far in their culinary careers.”
SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff said, “This national championship showcases the exceptional quality of our culinary program and the commitment of our students and faculty. It’s a powerful reminder of what hands-on learning, perseverance, and teamwork can achieve. We couldn’t be happier to see Team Delhi represent SUNY Delhi with such skill and grace on a national stage.”