White River track star named Gatorade Athlete of the Year

Adding to an already-impressive list of achievements, Marcus Dickson was named the Gatorade State Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

Adding to an already-impressive list of achievements, Marcus Dickson was named the Gatorade State Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

The selection process is based on the program’s three pillars of athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

Dickson, one of the nation’s acclaimed prep runners, graduated from White River High School in June and will be attending Brigham Young University of a track scholarship.

He won both the 800-meter and 1,600-meter races at the Class 2A state meet this spring, leading the Hornets to a second-place finish as a team. He also placed second in the 3,200-meter run. A two-time South Puget Sound League Track Athlete of the Year, his best times in the 800 (1:49.33), 1,500 (3:54.44), 1,600 (4:05.83) and mile (4:03.18) all ranked among the nation’s top 15 performances by prep competitors in 2012 at the time of his selection.

Dickson also is a top scholar, having maintained a 3.72 GPA at White River High.

An Eagle Scout, he has volunteered locally with White River High special-needs students, in neighborhood beautification projects and as part of multiple community service initiatives in association with his church youth group.