University of Toronto Athletics

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues are excited to share the commitment of Ben Gates to the men's cross country and track & field programs for the 2026-27 season.

A 5-foot-10 middle distance and distance runner from Regina, Gates joins the Blues via Sheldon-Williams Collegiate and McGill University

Gates is a five-time RSEQ medalist with McGill. Alongside his teammates he also holds the McGill school record in the 4x800m. Along with his university-level experience, Gates has also shined on the national stage with his club teams placing fourth in the 800m at the U20 Canadian Championships and 5th in the event at the 2025 Canada Summer Games. Prior to his collegiate career, he also helped his high school teams win the SHSAA 5A Provincial Championship in cross country and the RHSAA City Championship in track and field. He was awarded team MVP with the hockey, badminton, and golf teams, recevied the Sheldon-Williams Ray Jacoby Award for athletic excellence and leadership, and was honoured with the RHSAA Lorne Aston Award as a top male athlete in Regina.

Across two seasons with the McGill track and field program, Gates garnered both U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian and McGill Student-Athlete Honour Roll recognition. His exceptional academic achievements will help him as he enters the Mechanical Engineering program at U of T in his third year of studies.

Personal Bests:
• 600m – 1:19.93
• 800m – 1:52.06
• 1000m – 2:24.89

Students who sign a letter of intent and/or commit to Varsity Blues intercollegiate teams will be eligible to play at the University of Toronto provided they are academically admissible and have applied through the normal process with the Ontario Universities Application Centre.