“One of the best budding decathletes in America hails from the Empire State. Neil Howard III, already an exceptional talent in certain individual event disciplines, looks like the type to invest the sweat, the patience and the perseverance required to master the 10-event crucible. An exceptional student and driven goal setter, he’s the perfect candidate for the decathlon.”

Rich Gonzalez

editor for PrepCalTrack.com

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot, 165-pound senior decathlete, hurdler and pole vault specialist won the national championship in the decathlon at Nike Outdoor Nationals this past season, recording a personal-best total of 7,448 points, which ranked No. 3 nationally among prep boys competitors this spring and No. 9 in prep history. Howard also took second in the 400-meter hurdles at NON to earn dual All-American honors. He PR’d in that race as well with a time of 51.91 seconds, which ranked No. 4 nationally in 2024. Howard also won the 400 hurdles at the NYSPHSAA State Meet, leading the Titans to a tie for third place in Division 1. He set another PR in the pole vault this spring, clearing 17 feet, 1.25 inches to rank No. 8 nationally.

Academic Achievement

Howard has maintained an A average in the classroom. He has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete on scholarship at the University of Michigan this fall.

Exemplary Character

President of his school’s National Honor Society chapter and a HOBY Youth Leadership ambassador, Howard has volunteered locally packing food bags with nonperishables for homeless families as well as on behalf of the Hillsdale Safe At Home program for senior citizens. He has also donated his time as a youth track and field coach.