W.T. Woodson junior Paul Gates (pictured above by Ted Plunkett) expected to be one of the top runners in the Northern Region this fall after a great track season clocking personal bests of 4:22 in the 1600 and 9:30 in the 3200 last spring. He was not out winning invitationals earlier in the season and others were taking the spotlight and top rankings for the region, but came through with a big victory at the Patriot District meet in one of the more competitive districts in the state with a 15:15 performance at Burke Lake Park. Gates followed up with a third place finish at the regional meet behind Annandale's Ahmed Bile and Chantilly's Sean McGorty and since none of the top three runners are seniors, the Northern Region should be even stronger and very exciting next fall with all three back to battle at Burke Lake. Gates gave up lacrosse last spring to focus only on running and his focus now is centered on a top 15 All-State finish Saturday at Great Meadow. MileStat.com interviewed one of the Northern Region's best in Gates prior to the state championships...
Articles
Athlete Spotlight: Paul Gates
Nov 8, 2010
West Potomac Cruises to Patriot District Cross-Country Championships
Oct 29, 2010
Thursday was a great day for the boys and girls cross-country teams from West Potomac, as strong performances from top to bottom led both sides to Patriot District championships. Woodson's Paul Gates and Lake Braddock's Sophie Chase Claim Individual Titles. (via Patch')