Suffolk native Gabriel Dickerson captured four state titles for Atlantic Shores Christian School’s outdoor track team.

Dickerson, a senior, was able to take the Atlantic Shores track program by storm in a short time. The Suffolk native, who is signed to play basketball for Francis Marion University this fall, went out and joined the Atlantic Shores track team because of a friend. That turned into last weekend, where he earned four state titles in standout performances.

He took first in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.31. He then went on to win the 200-meter dash as well, with a time of 23.76. He was part of a 4×100 relay team that won as well and took second in the long jump. He was part of school records in the 100, 200 and the 4×100.

Dickerson’s big performance helped lead Atlantic Shores to its first state championship in the Division II level.

“The whole experience was great,” he said. “I didn’t have as much experience as a lot of the other runners, but I had that competitiveness. I find that I can accomplish a lot of things if I just try my hardest and compete. It was a great feeling to be able to go out there and help win a state title.”

His coaches were impressed, but they weren’t surprised at what he was able to do. Hard work has been something the Suffolk native has been accustomed to since he was young. Because of that, he knew that his coaches had confidence in whatever he decided to compete in.

Now, he will get back to preparing for the next level for basketball. Running track has helped him with his conditioning, and he could continue to use it as a tool to better himself now and throughout his college career.