Student at Cleveland's University School Named All-Ohio Athlete in Football and Soccer
Hunting Valley, Ohio (PRWEB) December 11, 2014 -- For the first time in recent history, a University School student has been named to the first team all-state in two sports in the same season.
Senior Ryder Bell, 17, of Moreland Hills, Ohio, was recently selected as the kicker to the first team of the 2014 Associated Press Division III All-Ohio high school football team. The 6’ 1”, 175-pound three-year starter made seven of eight field goals he attempted this year. His longest was a game winner from 50 yards.
A football isn’t the only thing Ryder kicks around. A talented soccer player, Ryder was also named to the first-team all-state soccer team in Division II by the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association for the second year in a row. He earned All-Great Lakes Region honors by the 2014 National Soccer Coaches Association of America, and was named the Division II Cleveland player of the year, and the 2014 News-Herald boys’ soccer player of the year. Ryder had 105 goals and 37 assists in his four years at the US Upper School.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized as an all-state athlete in football and soccer this season,” Ryder said. “I am passionate about more sports than just soccer and am happy that I was able to play both sports this season due to the support and encouragement of my teammates and coaches. I will proudly remember the friends I've played beside, coaches I've learned from, and the opportunity to represent University School over the last four years.”
Ryder, who was also a state qualifier in track and field last spring, will play soccer at the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, VA.
“Ryder has resisted the Siren call of specialization, and I believe that he is a better athlete because he has done so,” said US’s varsity football coach Jim Stephens. “For example, he remains calm and poised even in the most tense circumstances. Nothing surprises him or disrupts his focus.”
“This is a remarkable accomplishment for a young man who is not only a great athlete, but a terrific guy who works hard for everything he achieves,” said US athletic director and varsity soccer coach John Ptacek. “Ryder clearly made significant contributions to our varsity football and soccer programs. We are very proud of him and wish him well in Virginia.”
About University School:
Founded in 1890, University School is private day school, educating boys in kindergarten through grade 12.
University School inspires boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Our dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved.
University School has two suburban campuses in Cleveland, Ohio: the Shaker Heights Campus for boys in kindergarten through grade 8, and the Hunting Valley Campus, which is home to students in grades 9-12. Visit http://www.us.edu for more information.
Fiona Reilly, University School, +1 216-780-1348, [email protected]
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