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I would like to congratulate my son, Gareth Riley-Ayers on his acceptance into the Masters of Management Studies program at the Duke University Fuqua School of Business. Gareth learned a lot about football during his time on the SMU football team. He learned a lot more about life.

He was a walk on football player who learned the importance of answering the bell every day, win or lose. In the Dedman School, he got a Political Science degree. He also learned to be a gifted writer. His Duke essay was based on his observations of team dynamics on a 1-11 football team. He was mentored by guys like Margus Hunt, Torlan Pittman, Taylor Reed, and Billy Dugal. He played with Darrian Wright, Zach Wood, Mason Gentry, and Andy McClennegen. He got a chance to meet President Bush. He also got a chance to meet several prominent SMU alums, even though he was a walk on.

Gareth is an example of the NCAA commercial. He may not be going pro in football, but he is going pro in something. He didn't win as many football games as he would have liked, but he got an education. I would love to see us emphasize that part of our program. We have football kids who are not only going to the NFL, but they are also going to med school, business school, to other graduate programs, and to other lucrative careers. They are also good citizens in their communities.

Thanks again SMU football family. Pony Up!

What a beautiful story. Congratulations to your family and especially to Gareth. I have no doubt your son will embrace the challenge at Duke and succeed.

Good job dad.

Congrats! This is what football dads are supposed to act like. Thank you to you and your family.

well done

Congrats, Dad! Best of luck to Gareth!

Great job by you and your son! Congratulations!

Great story! Congrats to Gareth and family.

Awesome!

Congrats Gareth! What a great kid - not hard to see why with a father like this.

Pony UP.

Congrats on the Admit to Duke. SMU football alums are in demand!

Great Story and Congratulations!!!

Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations! How time flies -

This post from after the Compass Bowl -

diamond_tom wrote:While eating at Dreamland Barbecue after the game, Gareth came over to our table. He was at a nearby table with his family, getting ready for his trip back to Atlanta with them. He introduced himself, thanked us all for making the trip to the game and shook our hands.

A very impressive Mustang! Perhaps the next number 23. Is that a legal number for a DT?

Congratulations to Gareth! Duke is a wonderful school. Glad he got so much from his SMU education.

I can't make a comment any nicer than those already expressed. But I live near the Dreamland location in Roswell and wonder now if my wife and I have been at the same time as Gareth and family and not been aware.