2017JoeTaylor 
  Joe Taylor - Freshman
Joe is a first year high school cross country runner and one year Letterman. 

Son of  Jed and Alison Taylor
  2017 Letterman

2017 Fastest Freshman Award Winner
2017 Brent Johnson True Grit Award Winner

2017 Personal Best Time 19:07 (18:07*)

2017 Personal Best Time 2 Mile Time 12:01
 
2017 Medalist at the Springfield Invitational
2017 Medalist at the State Meet
Fastest Top Freshmen Times List for the Charleston, Springfield, E. Peoria, & Metamora Invitationals

2017 News-Gazette Prep Cross Country Leaders List in September, October, & November


   As a Freshman, Joe joined us after being one of the best runners on his middle school track and cross country teams.  He quickly adjusted to high school running due to his determination and work ethic.  He ran well in the summer to prepare him for the jump up.  He opened up his high school career at the Charleston Invitational.  In this varsity race he placed 61st out of 146 runners.  He beat many junior and senior runners.  He beat half of the team's #5 runner which showed he would be the best on their team.  Joe ran a 19:07 which earned him the 32nd spot on our fastest top times list for freshman for the Charleston Invitational.  Joe raced well at the Springfield Invitational where we entered him in the freshman 2 mile race.  Joe and his teammate established themselves in the lead pack from the start.  Joe ended up beating some amazing runners to place 10th.  He earned a medal by placing so high.  He ran a personal best 2 mile time of 12:01 on a tough course.  His fast time earned him a spot on our team's fastest freshman times list at the Springfield Invitational. Joe earned a spot on the News-Gazette Prep Cross Country Leaders List in September.  Joe ran a solid race at the Peoria Notre Dame Invitational.  It was so hot that the meet officials moved up the meet to avoid heat issues.  It slowed everyone's times down, but Joe still managed to run a 20:06.  He earned enough letter points to earn his first varsity cross country letter.  Joe continued to show he was a great runner in practice throughout the season.  Joe ran a 19:47 at the East Peoria Invitational.  His time was fast enough to earn him a spot on our team's fastest freshmen times list for the East Peoria Invitational.  Joe ran a season best by a minute at the Metamora Invitational.  He ran a 18:07 which was fast enough to earn him the 25th spot on our team's fastest freshmen times list for the Metamora Invitational.  Joe earned a spot on the News-Gazette Prep Cross Country Leaders List in October.  He earned a spot on the News Gazette Area Cross Country Leaders List in November.  He earned a medal for being part of our State championship team.  Joe won the fastest freshman award.  Joe also won our team's coveted Brent Johnson True Grit award.  He was voted to get this award by he teammates.  It is given to the runner they feel runs with the most intensity and guts in practice and meets.