Welcome to Arch City Athletics

Let's begin...

This is the first official post for my new adventure, titled Arch City Athletics. I'm excited to share this space with you as I attempt to shine a light on some of the well-known sports around Central Ohio, as well as introduce you to teams and projects I think deserve more attention.

I understand that some of you might not know who I am or what I’m about. My name is Ralph Schudel — I’m a photographer, freelance journalist, statistician, and for the past eight years, I’ve covered sports in the Greater Columbus Area and across the Buckeye State. I’ve had the privilege of covering major events in our city, including triumphs from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Columbus Crew, just to name a few.

My hope for this project is to tell the stories of some teams and individuals you need to know about in our city. I realize this outlet will be a bit localized and that the internet is a vast ocean of content — but if I inspire someone to visit Columbus, catch a game, or sample our local food scene, I’ll consider that a win.

While high-profile teams like the Buckeyes, CBJ, and the Crew command much of the spotlight, there are also many lesser-known teams competing at semi-professional levels in sports you might already enjoy. Many of these teams feature people who could be your friends, neighbors, or community members. These athletes live like modern-day superheroes — their superpowers revealed only when they step onto the field to compete. I hope to introduce you to some of these individuals and share what makes Columbus special, from its vibrant sports culture to the people who fuel it.

How you can help
If you have a tip, an idea, or want to suggest something I should check out — let me know! Part of the reason I’m starting this project is to “live a little,” step out of my comfort zone, and try new things I might not have otherwise encountered without a little encouragement.

I look forward to taking this journey with you and sharing laughs, smiles, and new experiences along the way. If you have any thoughts you'd like to share, I’ll be linking my social media channels — let’s connect! And feel free to comment on any of my posts.

Thanks for reading — talk soon!