Personality Patchwork
Erik Tate Infuses Spirit of a Champion into Sons
After surviving near fatal injuries during the first Iraq War, the soldier coaches his sons, one of whom plays in Briar Woods' regional playoff tonight.
Trailing by 19 points in the final quarter of a Dulles District tournament game against Potomac Falls, the Briar Woods Falcons needed a spark. Myles Tate—the Falcons’ leading scorer and all-district performer—struggled early to hit shots or even find openings against a tough Panther defense. Perhaps sensing the desperation of the moment, Myles' father Erik got up from his usual seat near midcourt and strolled toward the student cheering section where he implored the Falcon faithful to get into the game and rally the team. What followed was something that area basketball fans have become accustomed to during the past four years: Myles unleashed a flurry of NBA-range three pointers that helped cut the Panther lead to 2 points, igniting what …
