Gary Ross really came on strong his final two years of high school to become one of the best if not the best middle distance runners in the state of Maryland. He was consistently one of the state's fastest at the 400, 500, and 800 meter distances winning numerous state individual and relay titles in 3A at Oxon Hill.
The top relay leg on Oxon Hill's 7:40 state record breaking performance in the 4x800 at the Penn Relays, Ross will get the opportunity to run more fast times in Pennsylvania as he recently committed to Penn State University. Ross finishes high school with some remarkable PR's of 47.78 in the 400, 1:04.67 in the 500, and 1:52.62 in the 800.
Name: Gary Ross
School: Oxon Hill High School
School: Oxon Hill High School
What was your most memorable race?
Most memorable race probably would be Penn Relays when we broke the Maryland 4x800 record running 7:40 in the prelims. That was pretty historical since we broke the record and became US #1. We weren't expecting that and we all PR'd and it just was a exciting feeling.
Who would you consider your biggest competition ?
In the 400 I would say Aaron my teammate because we always go neck to neck when we are in the same heat so whenever I'm with him I know it's gonna be a fast intense race. In my 800 I wouldn't really say I had any I was always by myself in every race which forced me to learn how to run from the front and by myself
What was your greatest accomplishment ?
My biggest accomplishment would probably be becoming All-Met indoors because if you know me you would know how much I hated indoors when I first started running 9th-10th grade years and to become All-Met indoors that was big for me.
Who would you consider your biggest competition ?
In the 400 I would say Aaron my teammate because we always go neck to neck when we are in the same heat so whenever I'm with him I know it's gonna be a fast intense race. In my 800 I wouldn't really say I had any I was always by myself in every race which forced me to learn how to run from the front and by myself
What was your greatest accomplishment ?
My biggest accomplishment would probably be becoming All-Met indoors because if you know me you would know how much I hated indoors when I first started running 9th-10th grade years and to become All-Met indoors that was big for me.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about running career in high school?
If I could do it all over again I'll keep everything the same because without the things I've been through I wouldn't be the runner I am today. I probably would change on my mind set and maybe focus more earlier in my career compared to waiting to my junior and senior year.
What will you miss the most ?
I'm gonna miss my team the most because we like a family and we joke around and have a bond that can't be replaced that I don't think I'll find no where else.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
To all younger athletes do what you gotta do in the classrooms and trust your training and coaches. I promise you in your senior year ,the recruiting process will be a walk in the park, your times will get better if you trust your training and if you do your part and focus on grades and track it will all fall in place. Set a goal and make that your goal and don't give up until you reach your goal and achieve your goal.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
They help me make the right decision and guided me to the right path making sure I didn't make the same s mistakes they made when it came down to important decision making choices like choosing the right college and helping me with race strategy which I thank them for that
What are your college plans?
I plan on attend Penn State University in the fall double majoring in forensic science and criminal justice.
Who would you like to say thank you to ?
I would like to say thank you to all the people who saw the great talent in me and who believed in me and always supported me throughout my whole 4 years of running and thank you to all the coaches who helped me get to the point I am today.
