The 2023 track season only started a few weeks ago, but Junior Taylor McClure has already had a jumpstart on his accomplishments. Taylor began by breaking his father’s 28-year-long record in the shot put. Taylor has more goals for this season; by the end of track this year, he wants to consistently throw 55 feet in the shot put event. This record was a very special record to beat for Taylor. He states, “It was an honor because nobody had ever thrown that far, and it was even more special because it was my dad who held it.” 

Knowing he had a huge start to the season, he went on to talk about the rest of his plans. While we chatted about what remains of this season, he stated, “I want to work on a new way to throw and hopefully compete in the state championship.” Although Taylor has had an exciting start to the season, he also has football to start thinking about. Taylor recently got a phone call from The Navy Midshipmen Football linebacker coach offering him a full-ride scholarship to play for them. Taylor says this is a dream come true, and he didn’t believe it at first.

As Taylor’s senior season for football is coming soon, he will be working hard to get more offers. Taylor is one of Hayesville’s linebackers and running backs, and he wants to leave a legacy here after he moves on to collegiate and maybe even professional sports. Taylor’s junior seasons have been outstanding, beating the record in throwing and getting his first D1 offer. This is only the beginning of Taylor’s career, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds.