Anyone who follows Uni track knows about the vital role that junior Malcolm Taylor plays for the team. He has run some of the fastest times in the state this year in both the 400 and the 800. He also anchors the 4x800 and 4x400 meter relays. Not only that, but in November he made it to state individually in cross country and almost received all-state honors (he finished 29th; a top 25 finish would have given him the honors). His excellent performances throughout his career have led to him holding the school record in a multitude of events, including the 400 (48.99 seconds) and the 800 (1 minute, 57.86 seconds). Along with the rest of the boys team, he will attempt to qualify for the May 23-24 state meet at today's Class A Monticello sectional.

What are you looking to do after this season?

A good portion of my summer will be spent in Japan, but still I plan on running there. Also, so far I have signed up for a track camp sponsored by the U of I, and I am looking to get in some organized running with next year's cross country team as well.

Which performances are you most proud of?

There are a lot, but the ones that I remember most are when I make a comeback in a relay for the win. For example, at our first indoor meet I remember passing two guys in the last 100 of the 4X4 to win as the underdogs. Another time was when I caught a St. Joe guy on the backstretch the same way after closing about a 100-meter gap to win. Breaking a few records was nice, too.

Are you planning on breaking any more records?

Only my own.

What do you credit your success to?

God, my mommy and daddy, Doug's coaching [track coach Doug Mynatt], Mr. Beesley's motivation [basketball coach Joel Beesley], my friends, and my hair.

What event do you think you have the best chance to medal in at state?

Doug and I did some research, and we decided that I would have the best chance in the 400.

What goals do you have for the state meet and then the upcoming cross country season?

My goal is to get two medals at state and break my own 400 record while doing it. For cross country I'm really hoping that we can get the whole team to state. Personally, I want to finish all-state considering how close I was last year.

How has this year’s senior class affected your experience as a Uni athlete, especially in track and cross country?

As most people know, almost all of my friends are in the senior class, so having them in all my sports has made it, I think, much more enjoyable than it would have been without them. I remember Austin [Rundus] recruiting me for cross country and now, a few years later, we are best friends. Without support like that I may not be as successful as I am now, and it will be sad not to have them next year.