Ryler Gould, 2018 and 2019 New York State Champion in the 400m hurdles signed his National Letter of Intent to run for Miami University. Ryler received a full scholarship, totaling more than $76,500 per year. Ryler plans to study graphic design and aspires to be a graphic designer after graduation.
After a devastating accident where his foot was run over by a lawn mower when he was 11, it was once believed that Ryler Gould would never walk again, let alone run. After multiple surgeries and cadaver bones to reconstruct his foot, Ryler was able to make a full recovery to the track athlete his is today. Ryler received several offers for full- athletic scholarships to Division I programs across the country and chose the University of Miami for it’s graphic design program.
Ryler was joined by his parents, Michelle Young-Gould and Richard Gould, brother Rayden Gould, Superintendent, Dr. Roberto Padilla, co-principal Mr. Matteo Doddo, Athletic Director, Mr. Edgar Glascott, guidance counselor Ms. Heather Kraus, NFA Track and Field Head Coach Malcolm Burks and dozens of friends and teammates. Doctors, nurses, and hospital representatives also joined to celebrate Ryler’s success.
Additionally, Andrew LaGuardia, a representative for Damon DelBello, MD, Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedics at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network shared a few words on behalf of Dr. DelBello. Dr. DelBello was the surgeon who repaired Ryler’s foot through several injuries. Through his representative, Dr. DelBello told Ryler, “Ryler, you exemplify our mission better than any young man or woman I can remember. Not only have you overcome a significant injury, you have overcome the adversity that came along with it and worked hard to maximize your talents and achieve national success.”
Dr. Pedoem-Shapiro, Ryler’s pediatrician from New Windsor Pediatric in New Windsor also gave a few words.
Of his success, Ryler discussed focus, determination, and perseverance, “You can run as fast as you can, but without grades you’re not going to get anywhere. Staying in the books, making decisions to come home and stay on top of my school work is how I was able to achieve this success. If you want to achieve something, then attack it. If you think there’s a possibility that you can do something then you probably can.”
At the University of Miami, Ryler will be coached by head coach Amy Deem and coach for the 2012 Olympic team.
The NFA Boys Varsity Track and Field team is coached by head coach Mr. Malcolm Burks and assistant coach, Mr. Chris Babcock.
