SUNY Delhi Culinary Team Crowned 2025 National Champion at Industry-Leading Competition

Student team receives gold medal and near-perfect score at ACF convention Las Vegas

Delhi, NY (08/01/2025) — SUNY Delhi's hot food student team took first place at the prestigious 2025 American Culinary Federation (ACF) Student Team of the Year national competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a remarkable showcase of their culinary skills, creativity, and composure. The achievement reinforces SUNY Delhi's reputation as a culinary powerhouse on the national stage.

After claiming 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 wowed the judges with a fourcourse menu entitled "Journey through the Catskills Mountains," elevating locally sourced produce, dairy, fish, and lamb to meet the flash and luxury of Las Vegas.

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. The team also earned high marks for impeccable timing, cleanliness, and composure under pressure.

The championship team included captain Brennan Spencer (Painted Post, NY); Sarthak Thapa (Delhi, NY); Moses Rojas (Bronx, NY); Matthew Caliendo (Massapequa, NY); and Derik Cole (Big Flats, NY). Jahnasia Sutton (New York, NY) and Joseph Kariuki (Worcester, MA) 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.

"We are relieved and overjoyed to have our hard work pay off," says team captain Spencer. "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," says Chef Pehrsson. "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 says. "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."

Says SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff, "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."

For more information, contact Chef Victor Sommo at 518-928-8028 or Chef Sean Pehrsson at 518-337-0756.

About Culinary Arts at SUNY Delhi

SUNY Delhi has long been recognized as one of the best culinary schools in the nation. In the last decade, Delhi students have won dozens of individual and team medals, including multiple American Culinary Federation (ACF) state, regional, and national titles. As one of only a handful of ACF-accredited programs in New York State, the culinary program is known for high educational standards, hands-on learning, and excellent management. SUNY Delhi offers associate programs in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts as well as bachelor's programs in Culinary Arts Management and Baking and Pastry Arts Management. Students have access to extensive facilities, including a large banquet/catering kitchen, a baking and pastry kitchen, an ice carving lab, a full-scale butcher shop, and a lounge bar with a beverage lab. For more information, call 607-746-4550 or visit delhi.edu.

About the ACF Student Championships

Since 1992, the American Culinary Federation Student Competition has molded students into young professionals. It aims to raise the standards of culinary excellence and professionalism, putting to test the many skills learned in the classroom and inspiring young culinarians to dream big and work tirelessly to achieve their goals. An instant resume builder, the competition teaches valuable skills from time management to working on a team that carry culinary students into successful careers.

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SUNY Delhi culinary team

SUNY Delhi culinary team was crowned the 2025 National Champion at an industry-leading competition in Las Vegas. Left to right: Jahnasia Sutton, Chef Victor Sommo, Sarthak Thapa, Matthew Caliendo, Brennan Spencer, Derik Cole, Moses Rojas, and Chef Sean Pehrsson. In the front: Joseph Kariuki.