DCHS’ Gottlied Signs To Run Cross Country At Milligan

by Rusty Ellis

DeKalb County senior Aaron Gottlied made his commitment to Milligan University official on Friday, as he signed his NLI to run cross country and track there after graduation.

For Gottlied, it was the culmination of all the hard work he’s put in leading up to this moment where he signed the dotted line.

“It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind moment,” Gottlied said. “It’s just something that I’ve wanted ever since I was a little kid…My mom always told me with hard work, I would get here. I’m glad I did.”

Gottlied adds that the academic side of the school is part of what led him to make his choice.

“Their student-to-teacher ratio is what I want,” Gottlied said. “Any questions I may have with professors, I can go to them…the athletics are also through the roof.”

His coaches at DeKalb also speak vey highly of him, saying he’s been dedicated to the sport long before he reached the high school level.

“Aaron has been competing since his sixth grade year,” said Kristen VanVranken. “He’s never missed a season…he’s got a great build for a runner, and he’s just built on his performances year after year.”

His other coach, Paris Rabidoux, talked more about how much Gottlied has helped build the program up and lead it through the entirety of his four years.

“He’s been a real cornerstone of the program since it’s inception nine years ago,” Rabidoux said. “He’s competed at state every year at the high school level…he’s been in a position where everyone’s looked up to him. They see where he’s at right now and where he’s going. (Milligan) is going to bring out the best in him.”

As far as what he’s looking forward to about being at Milligan, Gottlied says he’s really excited to join the team and be immersed in their environment.

“I went out there for my visit and the team is a tight-knit family,” Gottlied said. “I really enjoy having that, and I looked for things like that when it came to where I wanted to go to college.”

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