After a tragic lawnmower accident at the age of 11, no one believed Ryler Gould would walk again, let alone run. Now Gould is a NFA North senior and incoming University of Miami freshman. Gould signed his National Letter of Intent declaring his acceptance of a Division I track and field scholarship to the University of Miami last Monday at the NFA North auditorium.

In support were Gould’s parents, brother, friends, teammates, NFA administrators, NFA track and field coach Malcolm Burkes, and more.
In his four years at NFA, Gould has risen above his struggles. His accomplishments include being both the 2018 and 2019 New York State Champion in the 400m hurdles.

“This is why we get in this profession, for things like this,” said Edgar Glascott, NFA athletic director. “We see what a true example of a student athlete really means [in Gould].” Glascott proceeded to speak about Gould’s ability to juggle being a student, a track star, and a young man dealing with physical adversities at the same time.

In addition to Glascott, Newburgh Enlarged City School District Superintendent Roberto Padilla spoke during the signing. “This is going to be your family [NFA] for life,” said Padilla to Gould. “Everyone is rooting for you.”

“When he [Gould] first came out, he couldn’t fit in his uniform,” joked Burkes. “We used to have to take a pin and tape to his uniform.” Burkes reminisced about his memories training Gould and how much he has grown as an athlete. “Thank you for trusting me,” said Burkes to Gould and his family.

“To everyone who chose to be sitting there, thank you so much for taking the time to celebrate us,” said Gould’s mother, Michelle Young-Gould. “This can happen to every single one of you sitting there.” Young-Gould thanked all of Gould’s supporters and encouraged his classmates to keep working hard.

Gould was the last to speak during the event. When it finally came time for Gould to reveal his decision, he popped on a University of Miami snapback, while he and the rest of his family proceeded to reveal their University of Miami tee-shirts.

Raising University of Miami hand symbols, Gould made a decision that will make the next four years of his life and beyond.

“You guys have played a special role in my life,” said Gould as he thanked each and every person who brought him to this point in his life. “I’m just really excited to continue my career, so I just want to thank you all for coming.”