scrunners catches up with Greer Middle College senior Catherine Taylor as she prepares for the 2022 Mike Moore Shrine Bowl Run.
Name: Catherine Taylor
Hobbies: Running, reading, volunteering, going on walks with my dog, and spending time with the people I love most.
Academic interest: Anything relating to math or science has always interested me. I hope to do something with medicine in the future.
Personal bests: 5K - 19:35; 800m - 2:43; 1600m - 5:46; 3200m - 12:43.
What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and help the hospital?
It is such an honor to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team, knowing its impact on the community. It is such a gift to be able to use our talents to bring awareness and celebrate the impact that the hospital has had on countless lives. Not everyone gets the opportunity to run and we often take it for granted. This gives us the opportunity to use our talent to help people in our community. These are not people far away, they are right in our neighborhood and we get the opportunity to help them.
What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
I had always heard that it was such an honor and an exciting opportunity to be named to the team and join some of the best runners in South Carolina to support such an impactful hospital. The freshman version of myself would not have believed that I am getting to do this.
What do you hope to experience during the event?
I am looking forward to the sense of community that will surround the event. This is a group of high schoolers, some of which have never met each other, coming together to support the hospital. Witnessing such care and love like that is a special feeling.
How are you preparing to run with a football?
I have had some practice from running with a water bottle up to the grass field at GMC for speed work, since we don't have a track. Otherwise, I am just hoping my inner Clemson Tiger will come out and I won't fumble it.
How would you rate your senior season?
My senior season has been a 10/10 for sure. My mental health has been the best it has ever been this year and my teammates have been my biggest supporters through it all. I have been able to be a co-captain with one of the most impressive runners in the state, Hattie Jennings, who has a heart of gold to match her talent.
What future goals do you have?
I am looking to pursue some form of medicine in the future, either with nursing or neuroscience, to help those around me. This sport and the community it has granted me has supported me through all of my academic endeavors, ensuring I have time to succeed on and off the course.
"This sport and the community it has granted me has supported me through all of my academic endeavors, ensuring I have time to succeed on and off the course." - Catherine Taylor
Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
I have made the decision to refrain from competing in college. My six years of running have taught me that my experiences and love for this chapter cannot be replicated. I admire and have a major respect for all collegiate athletes, as they pursue a degree while dedicating hours to training. With a desire to pursue a career in medicine, I have decided that I would be more successful devoting the majority of my energy to my studies.
How did you get involved with the sport and when?
I got involved in my sport in seventh grade because my mom suggested that I try cross country since I hadn't really practiced any other sports-related skills. The funny part about it is that she was a sprinter in high school, usually hitting a distance max at the 800. I ended up on the other end of the spectrum, being stronger at long-distance running. As odd as it seemed to try, I wouldn't change my choice for the world.
Do you have any relation or know someone that has attended the Shriners Hospital?
I do not have any relation or know anyone that has attended the Shriners Hospital, but I do know that they impact countless lives.
How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
Over my six years of running and five years of running in South Carolina, specifically, I have seen a surge of interest and investment in the high school running community. In some cases, I have seen fellow runners support one another when no one wants to come out on a cold Saturday morning to cheer for them. This sport can be physically and mentally taxing, but runners will always be there for each other regardless of what jersey they are wearing.
What was your motivation for your final XC season?
Every race just felt like a celebration. I knew the rest of my day would be a good one once I finished running as hard as I could. It would only be 20 hard minutes. I knew my team would be waiting at the finish line. Once we lost our number one runner to an injury, our team motivation became making her proud. We would always be running for Hattie, because we knew she would always do the same. We could always count on her, so it was time for her to count on us.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
If I am understanding the questions correctly, I ensure everyone has warm clothes and somewhere to stay for the winter. The winter can be painful, both in terms of weather and the spirit of the holidays can be harsh without somewhere warm to stay. We can't fix everything in the world, but creating a home for others is irreplaceable.
