Tate Named SEC Outdoor Track and Field Runner of the Week
"There are an incredible number of great sprinters in the SEC," coach Steve Dudley commented. "For Tavaris to find himself at the top is a great honor and further confirms the fact that some of the premier athletes in the nation are competing right here at MSU."
Tate's honor comes on the heels of his commanding performance at the LSU Invitational: Battle on the Bayou, where the junior captured the 400-meter dash title by clocking the fastest collegiate time in the nation at 45.45 and earned a spot atop both the SEC and national leader boards for the category.
Along with his ranking in the 400-meter dash, Tate is a valued member of the Maroon and White relay squads. Tate anchors the 4x400-meter relay team that is currently ranked first in the SEC and second in the nation with a time of 3:03.12, as well as the 4x100-meter team which ranks fifth in the nation following their time of 39.17 at the Texas Relays.
A Starkville native, Tate will get the chance to compete in front of his family and friends as this weekend, as the Bulldogs host the Jace Lacoste Invitational; which begins with a slew of field events on Friday, before a full day of competition scheduled for Saturday.