Senior Spotlight - Charles Taylor

A star in the record books and champion at heart, Charles Taylor is a leader on the track and with his team.

Going to nationals three years in a row, complete with a podium finish in his first outing, Taylor is no stranger to success. He won the 200m dash at the Commodore Invitational with a time of 21:73 in his 2015 indoor season. He helped his team place first in the 4x400m relay at the Vanderbilt Invite in 2016. He ran the final leg of the 4x400m at the loaded Razorback Invitational, finishing with a time of 3:08.06 in his senior season in 2017. This Bulldog has every reason to be proud of his successes.

However, it is not the accomplishments that drive Taylor. His teammates are his biggest motivation. They are his family.

"Win, lose, or draw, we are all one," Taylor said.

Taylor embodies all of the qualities a coach looks for in a team player and leader. He cares about his team and defines his successes as team successes. When asked about his favorite collegiate memory, he recalls his first trip to the national's stage, but not for a reason most would think. Though he enjoyed the attention and the chance to show his skills, he was more excited to show what his team was capable of.

"What was going through my mind was once it's my turn, I just have to go," Taylor said. "I can't let my teammates down; I've got to do this for Mississippi State."

Taylor calls this the Mississippi State way, to fight for your team and your Bulldog family.

Family is a very important ideal to Taylor. He has a big heart that is felt by all. His teammates have given him the nickname of "Uncle Charles," for he is a figure that is loved and looked-up to by his team.

As a good uncle, Taylor loves to see those around him reach their full potential. He is always providing encouragement and leadership when the team needs it most.

Though Taylor has a big heart that he gives to his team with no strings attached, he admits that he too gets something in return.

"My teammates have had the biggest influence on my track career; they push me to be better," Taylor said. "I want to do what is best for the team."

Not only is the Bryam native a stellar athlete on the field, but he also has a successful foundation for his professional career. Graduating in December of 2017 with a Civil Engineering degree, Taylor already has several job offers for his life after Starkville. He has been relentless in securing his future both on and off of the track. Every summer for the past three years, Taylor has worked internships with several big name companies throughout the state of Mississippi. One of which will help Taylor cement his place forever on campus in addition to his already successful athletic ventures in the record books.

In the summer of 2015, Taylor had an internship that led him to play an integral role in the building of the two new dorm halls on campus, Dogwood and Davenport. He is excited to not only have had the professional experience, but Taylor is also glad that a piece of him will remain present on the grounds of Mississippi State for decades after he graduates.

Before the final meet of his career, the 2017 NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Taylor had the opportunity to attend the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, an annual educational forum that brings together 200 student-athletes from around the country to learn and explore potential careers in sports, with the primary focus on college athletics. The four-day forum is designed to assist student-athletes in charting their career paths, as well as provide an opportunity to network and learn from current athletics professionals. Taylor traveled straight from Indianapolis to Eugene to compete in both the 4x100 and 4x400m relay events, earning All-America honors for the third time in his standout career.

As he runs toward his lucrative professional career, a piece of Uncle Charles' heart will always remain with the Maroon and White.

Mississippi State University Athletics

Senior Spotlight - Charles Taylor

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