Stratford's Jack Taylor Prepares for Shrine Bowl Run Hills



Name:  Jack Taylor 
Hobbies: Running, basketball, binge-watching Netflix, and going to the beach 
Academic interest: Economics and History 
Personal bests: 5K: 16:52, 1600: 4:52

What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and helping 
the hospital?
It's an honor being selected among the best runners in the state.   I'm also proud to be able to raise awareness for the hospital and their causes.  It is good knowing I'll be helping those less fortunate than I. 

What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
I heard from the two seniors that did it last year from Stratford that it was a great experience and I should be prepared for hills. 

What do you hope to experience during The Run?
I hope to get to know more runners from the state and watch some good football.

How are you preparing to run with a football?
I am incredibly uncoordinated so its something I needed to think about so I started doing my warm ups and cool downs with it, and a few short runs before Foot Locker. 

How would you rate your senior season?
8/10, it was great getting to run fast times and actually run state for once and have a bit of a postseason.

What future goals do you have?
Hopefully to run at the collegiate level, but first train hard for track and run some sub 4:35 1600s, sub 10 3200s, and be a strong leg on the 4x800m

Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
Not officially, I have talked to coaches and visited a few colleges but I haven't made a definitive decision yet. 

How did you get involved with the sport and when?
I had a friend who ran over the summer before my freshman year and he convinced me to come out.  It was a harsh season not running over the summer, but I learned and got to where I am today. 

Do you have any relation or know someone that has attended the 
Shriners Hospital?
No. 

How have you seen the 
sport change in the state? Please explain.
I have seen more and more runners break 16 and the top five fluctuate so much, especially this season. Seeing two sub 15s for the first time in a few years and have one S.C. runner qualify for Foot Locker Nationals and two more almost qualify shows how fast the runners have become and how much the competition and running community have improved in the state.  

What was your motivation for your final XC season?
To capitalize on the momentum I had after a good junior track season and train hard and help my team score as few points as possible and get top 10 at state. 

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I would travel all over the world and experience things I otherwise couldn't and see what its like to live away from what we're all accustomed to.