Gatorade Recognizes Century High School Runner

by Kirsten Petersen

Century High School graduate Julian Woods was named the Gatorade Maryland Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year, an award that recognizes not only his accomplishments as a runner but also his contributions to the school and community.

At the Class 2A state meet this season, Woods won three individual championships--110 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles and long jump-- and anchored the squad in the 4x200 meter relay.

His contributions helped the team earn a total of 111 points, 49 more points than the second place team, and take home the state title.

He also placed second in the 400 meter hurdles the Penn Relays in April and was recognized last winter as the Carroll County Times Boys Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.

When he’s not jumping hurdles, he’s excelling in the classroom: Woods maintained a 4.07 weighted GPA, tutored his peers in physics and instructor and attended a student-athlete leadership conference.

Woods earned his dental assistant certification and helped provide dental care at area nursing homes. In addition, he interned with a dentist and an orthodontist, all while juggling high school and sports.

He will be attending Mount Saint Mary’s College on an athletic scholarship in the fall and will compete in track and field.

The Gatorade Players of the Year program, which started in 1985, recognizes high school athletes across the country for their success in school and sports.

One finalist from each state is chosen by USA Today High School Sports and the Gatorade Company. The state athlete selected as the National Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year will be announced this week.

Learn about all of the finalists and look for announcements about the national winner at http://www.gatorade.com/poy.

Information in this post taken from a CCPS news release.