Back to Back State Champion Ryler Gould Signs National Letter of Intent to Run for University of Miami

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.

Previous media coverage about Ryler can be found here:

Newburgh Free Academy Track Champion Signs National Letter of Intent (November 2019)

Newburgh’s Gould grabs gold in 400-meter hurdles (June 10, 2019)

NFA’s Gould breaks state sophomore record (June 8, 2018)

NFA senior Ryler Gould honored inaugural 99th Assembly District Students of Achievement event (June 19, 2019)

Gould Good For Gold After Overcoming Childhood Injury (May 15, 2019)

Ryler Gould 1st Place High School Boys 400m Hurdles - Penn Relays 2019 (April 27, 2019)

Back On Track (February 22, 2016)

Newburgh teen’s foot mangled in lawn mower accident; now he runs on the school track team (July 6, 2015)

All photos from Ryler’s signing can be viewed and downloaded for free here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1X7XQ2l69toDHEGnHyZCSU7YoEdaMbs5b?usp=sharing

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!