Athlete Spotlight: Tavaris Tate

He was inspired to run by one Olympic champion and has been compared to another.

Tavaris Tate wouldn’t mind one day joining their company. 

So far the Mississippi native and Starkville High senior is taking the right path to achieving that success. 

This past weekend, Tate solidified his position as the top quarter-miler in the country, capturing the 400-meter run at the Nike Indoor Nationals. He won a close race over Seton Hall (N.J.) Prep senior Clayton Parros, circling around the oval at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center with a time of 47.84 seconds to Parros’ 47.85 effort.

Tate owns a nation-leading 47.04 clocking. 

“It’s a blessing to be where I am,” he said, after his victory. “It’s nice to be here just knowing that there are other great athletes here. I find it a blessing to just be here.”

The 18-year-old Tate, who nearly pulled off the two-for-one deal at NIN, coming just .02 seconds short of copping the 200 with his runner-up finish of 21.55, has been turning heads ever since he first laced up a pair of running shoes. Over the last year, however, he has taken his talent to another level. 

In what he classifies as a “breakthrough year,” Tate made himself a household name his junior season at Starkville where he repeatedly dipped under the 47-second barrier, including a career best of 46.39. That time was the fastest posted by a junior last year and No. 2 overall. 

“Last year was my first time in the spotlight,” Tate said. “I came out and ran (46.39) in the 400. This year I‘m shooting for 45 (seconds).” 

During the 2008 season, Tate earned his first individual titles by winning the 400 (46.41) and the 200 (21.53) at the Class 5A team state championship. He also lent his foot speed on Starkville’s winning 4x400 relay squad, which earned its second straight crown. Among other highlights were victories at the Golden West (Ca.) Invitational and the Georgia Tech Invitational where he uncorked identical times of 46.45. 

About the only “disappointment” late year for Tate happened at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in June when he finished second to Ja’Vell Bullard of Hampton, Va.  Bullard clocked a time of 46.54, while Tate crossed the line in 46.98. 

“This year,” he said. “I want that title.”  

Tate’s season for the ages even drew the interest of ESPN magazine. In a feature story, it  compared the Mississippian to 2008 Olympic gold medalist Lashawn Merritt, who shocked the competition in Beijing with his gold-medal win in the 400. 

Merritt, who was a special guest at the NIN, gave Tate a hearty hug after he claimed his national title on Sunday. The gifted Tate believes that in the not-so-distant future, he’ll be in a similar position as the Olympic champion. 

“Ever since that article came out,” he said, “that’s always been my goal.” 

At 5-foot-8, the muscularly-built Tate doesn’t have the long stride like most of his counterparts, but what he lacks in height he makes up with his speed and overall strength. In the Nike meet, Tate demonstrated those traits when he took control right from the first lap, blitzing the first 200 in a crisp 22.3. With a fast-charging Parros gaining ground the final straightaway, he was then able to use his strength to hold off his rival, and then fell across the line in total exhaustion. 

Tate’s knack for putting one foot in front of the other in a relatively fast motion was noticed early. He was first drawn to the sport at the age of six when he watched Michael Johnson pull of his amazing 400-200 double gold-medal-winning effort at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He learned from his idol that a quick jump on the competition equals success at the finish. 

“In the 400, you have to just get out and stay out,” he said. “That’s always been my focus ever since Michael Johnson won the Olympics. That’s always been my focus.” 

Like the golden spikes that Johnson wore during the Summer Games, Tate’s footwear of choice might also catch your eye with its yellowish color. 

“They’re similar to gold. They’re kind of a resemblance to his,” Tate said. “I have to have my trademark, too.” 

Tate’s first taste of “real” competition and a preview of a coming attraction occurred at the age of 10. At the Junior Olympic Nationals, Tate captured the 400 with an eye-popping time of 1:03. He also finished second in the 200, running 25-seconds flat.

“Coming across the line in first is every kid’s dream,” he said. “After (the 400) race, I saw myself as number one - always.” 

He hasn’t veered too far from that mindset ever since. 

With a few months left in his high school career, Tate will be shooting for a few goals, including winning a few more state titles and also achieving that magical 45-second 400. The current national record of 45.92, set in 2004 by Elize Coleman, is certainly attainable.