Draft:Rylan Ellis (runner)

Early Life and Background
Rylan James Ellis was born on November 12, 2007, in Tucson, Arizona. He grew up in Canal Fulton, Ohio, where he currently resides. His mother, Jessica Ellis, is a nurse and telehealth worker at the Canton VA Clinic, and his father, Nicholas Ellis, is a mailman at the United States Postal Service in Dover, Ohio. Rylan has a younger sister named Olivia, born on June 4, 2011.

Education
Rylan attended Northwest Primary School and is currently a junior at Northwest High School in Canal Fulton. He has been active in both academic and athletic pursuits throughout his school years. As a sophomore, Rylan began taking college courses at Stark State College and the University of Rio Grande.

Athletic Career
Rylan is an accomplished athlete, particularly in track and field and cross country. He has been running since seventh grade and has developed a passion for the sport. Some of his notable achievements in track include running the 800m dash in 2:08.35 and placing 6th at the PAC-7 Championships. He is also a two-year letterman in cross country and a one-year letterman in track.

His cross country personal best in the 5k is 19:00.13. Rylan's achievements have been recognized with multiple letters in both sports, and he aspires to continue his running career in college.

Career Aspirations
Rylan aims to earn a scholarship from a major college, with Ohio State University being one of his top choices due to its proximity and reputable programs. Beyond athletics, he is interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy or another medical-related field.

Employment
In addition to his academic and athletic commitments, Rylan works as a dishwasher at Canal Grille in Canal Fulton, a job he started as a sophomore. He balances his work schedule with school and track, with his employer accommodating his busy schedule.

Personal Life
Rylan is a practicing Christian, and his faith plays a significant role in his life. He is active on social media, with accounts on TikTok and Instagram under the handle @rylanxc42.

Quotes and Anecdotes
Rylan fondly remembers a motivational quote from his cross country coach, Brian “Army” Armstrong, who would say, “It is seventy degrees and sunny” before runs, regardless of the weather conditions. Armstrong recently passed away and was a significant influence on Rylan.

Future Goals
Rylan's immediate goal is to continue improving his athletic performance and secure a scholarship to a prestigious college. In the long term, he is interested in a career in physical therapy or another medical field, leveraging his interest in sports and health.

Legacy and Impact
Rylan is committed to making a positive impact both on and off the track. He draws inspiration from his family, his faith, and the mentors who have guided him along the way.