Ellenville High School alumnus Seth Buchwalter has a lot of praise for his hometown of Ellenville, even after moving across the country to Portland, Oregon, to begin his exciting career as a public relations and marketing professional.

“When I come home [to Ellenville] to visit my parents, I really see how it, too, is a great place to live,” the EHS Class of 2004 graduate said. “It has that small, quiet town feel and a beautiful natural setting.”

After graduating from the University at Albany in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric and communication, Buchwalter entered the field of public relations with a small agency in Saratoga Springs. That helped spring him toward his next big career move, as a creative marketing professional for Brand Definition in New York City, where he enjoyed four years of success working in the music industry.

During this time, Buchwalter said he “became good at building relationships with artists and engineers,” and delighted in meeting several Grammy award winners and traveling around the world. But what really changed his life was his next move, which led him to Oregon, his future wife, and the very first “On” store (selling Swiss performance running shoes and clothing) to open in the United States.

Although he participated in school sports, Buchwalter said he wasn’t much of an athlete during his days at Ellenville. He discovered the joy of running in his mid-twenties, and in 2017, he started participating in competitive obstacle course racing. “I finally found a sport that caters to my strengths,” he added.

Buchwalter noted that his 6'4”, 210-lb. frame can sometimes present a challenge. “It's a lot more work racing against people who aren't carrying as much weight,” he explained. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Buchwalter stuck to local trails, and has since run through the deserts of Arizona, in the mountains in British Columbia, and up and down volcanoes in Oregon.

The On store, which sells specialized running shoes, facilitated his new hobby. But running eventually became much more than a hobby. He took the reins of the brand’s community running club (based out of the Portland On store), managing both the daily activities of the club and partnerships with like-minded brands. Through his Instagram account, he promotes the company’s gear, engages in fitness discussions, and informs the running community about local community runs and races.

“To be the face of such an inspirational global company, telling stories about fitness, movement, and community in my city, is one of the best professional experiences I’ve had in my decade-plus communications career,” he said. “It’s really easy to talk about a brand you’re passionate about — living its spirits and vision daily!”

Buchwalter remains a true Ellenville Blue Devil. He attended Ellenville schools from kindergarten on up, and remembers many good times at each one. As far as extracurriculars go, he played soccer and basketball, while also participating in the chorus and chamber singers.

“That’s one great thing about growing up in a small town with a small school,” he said. “You can get involved in many different activities rather than having to specialize in just one. It’s much more manageable.”

Buchwalter said he enjoyed his teachers, and gave particular shout outs to music teacher Bob Oehme and English teacher Dennis Warner (who passed away in 2013). “Both of these teachers made learning fun,” he said. “They always respected us and listened to us. It was a pleasure to be their student.”

These days, Buchwalter stays busy balancing his career, raising a family — which includes his wife Sarah and their two-year-old daughter Ella — and of course, staying fit and running. Seth’s favorite trails to run on are the local waterfall trails near his home, but recently, he discovered another special place.

“Last time I was in Ellenville, I ran the trail up to the ‘Senior Rock,’” he said, referring to the rock that EHS seniors paint each year, which can be seen from the village below. “I never realized how cool or accessible it was, and wish I had taken advantage of it when I was a kid.”

“If only the Ellenville coaches could see me now!” he laughed.