At the All-Florida Invite in 2011, Cates  finished seventh, with a time of 16:23.06 in the 1650-yard  freestyle.

Against Rollins in '11, he swam a 4:41.96,  posting a NCAA B-qualifying time in the 500-yard freestyle.

Swimming in the Division II NCAA Championships he finished 11th in the 1650–free, with a time of 15:42.57.