One of the star runners from the Valders boys cross country program signed his letter of intent on Thursday, declaring which college will officially have the services of his swift stride.
Clay Taylor will attend the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay on a Cross Country scholarship this fall.
Valders cross country coach Bill Dietrich expressed his pride, reflecting on Taylor’s time at Valders.
“This young man was running the course with me, I’ll never forget it, all over the different spots, just loving it – eating it up – he said ‘someday, I want to be a coach.’ I remember that, distinctly to this day.” Coach Dietrich added, “Since then, he’s run every meet, finished every meet. As a cross country runner, he’s not only been a strong runner but been a team leader.”
Taylor is averaging a 4.0-grade point average, making academics a priority despite his athletic aspirations. He referenced his drive when discussing a moment he turned to Coach Dietrich to quit the team.
“Coach, I remember after that first race, I wanted to quit. So, I’m glad you didn’t let me do that,” as an audience of Taylor’s family, friends, teachers and peers agreed in laughter. “None of this could have ever happened without you always pushing me. I’m excited to start the next step.”
The running Vikings are hot on the heels of a championship last Fall, as well as championships from 2017 to 2019.
