With the end of the indoor season approaching the finish line, the Taylor men’s track and field team looks to make a lasting impression at the championships.
After a successful indoor season, the Trojans prepare for the NAIA Championships. The team has spent the past two weeks preparing for the two-day event. Each member, from the throwers to the distance runners, is at the top of their game.
The men’s track and field team Taylor grabbed four All-Crossroads League honors, taking fourth place overall in the championships. Sophomore Nate Burns and junior Ryan Hanak took second and third in the 3000m, just one and two seconds behind Indiana Wesleyan senior Eli Fullerton. Freshman Wade Jones took second in the 200m, running a blazing 22.29 and junior Joel Mumaw held off Grace junior Brady Hunsberger by 0.64 seconds to take second in the mile.
Taylor has had plenty of success in the postseason in previous years. Last year, the Trojans finished third in the Crossroads League Championships, and many athletes placed in their respective events.
For this year’s indoor Nationals, Burns, Hanak, Muwmaw will be joined by junior Luke Harber (5k), junior Josh Forbes (pole vault), junior Jared Stayte (11) and senior Bradley Braxton, freshman Ethan Morgan and junior Bryce Noble (DMR).
The team has taken its preparation seriously. Burns spoke about the distance team's constant training and positive mindset changes, which they have benefited from, he said.
“After a long Tuesday, it’s easy just to be negative, but we get excited, and there’s like an energy of positivity that the guys are bringing in,” Burns said. “We are feeding off of each other, that’s representative of our team this season.”
The Crossroads League Championship was only the first obstacle in the way of victory. Taylor’s men’s team has their eyes on the NAIA Nationals.
Each of the athletes has shifted their mindset for the betterment of the team. This has helped tremendously with the team spirit.
“We do track for him (God) by him and through him. That's our motto on the team,” Lambert said.
That mindset has been beneficial for the newcomers to Taylor and its track team. They get to see what kind of success they can attain and what it takes to get there.
Another huge aspect of chemistry and work ethic is the leadership of the upperclassmen. The underclassmen have someone to look up to and strive to be like in the world of track and life in general.
That leadership is reflected in the coaching staff as well. Burns commented on Coach Gay and his ability to bring God into everything they do. It keeps them grounded and on the path, Burns said.
Both Lambert and Burns seek to make their mark during this year’s championships. They have worked hard to peak for the postseason and are confident in what they can do.
“I’m coming off an injury during cross country,” Burns said. “I’m still riding the wave of, ‘I’m finally back.’ I’m excited for this next meet.”
The NAIA Nationals will be held in Gainesville, Florida, from Feb. 27 to March 1.
