Last season Thomas More Saints Wrestling finished the season with four NAIA national qualifiers. Of the four, two have returned for this upcoming season. Andrew Taylor, one of the returning two national qualifiers, will be heading into his final season in a unique fashion. Taylor will be entering this season as a redshirt 5th year. Last year he competed at the 174lbs weight class for the Saints, but this year he has made the decision to move up to the 184lbs weight class.
Interview Questions:
I know Thomas More has some Redshirt 5th-year student-athletes this year due to their seasons being cut short because of Covid-19. Is your redshirt 5th year Covid-19 related, if not please elaborate?
“My redshirt is not COVID-related. I tore my meniscus during my junior year and received a redshirt and after last year, I decided I still wanted to pursue my wrestling goals.”
When you took the redshirt your junior season, did you know if you were even going to pursue the extra year after completing your undergraduate degree?
“At the time, I wasn't sure what my senior year had in store for me or how the injury would affect my body but I knew I'd be coming back if I hadn't accomplished what I set out to do, even if I received my degree. Likewise, I'm not sure if I'll accomplish those goals this year but I will still try.”
Since you have completed your undergraduate degree, do you still have the same goals or have you set your eyes on anything else? What goals did you feel that you fell short of?
“Yes and no. Ever since I decided to wrestle at Thomas More, I wanted to complete my degree and be a national champ and All-American and that hasn't changed. Now that I have my undergraduate degree, I plan to complete my Masters in Business Administration while also obtaining experience and certifications in my field. Most importantly, I wish to set a good example for my teammates and those around me and to be a great impact on the team and the school.”
How will you prepare to achieve those goals?
“I plan on achieving my goals by managing my time better, eating healthier, practicing, studying more often and doing the right things on and off the mat.”
Do you feel that you have the proper support from your team & family?
“Yes, my coaches and teammates have always pushed me hard to be better as a wrestler and a student. My family always supported me in sports and school ever since I was young by providing me the opportunity to play sports and have a good education but most importantly, I don't think I'd be where I am today without my 5 brothers and 2 sisters. We have always competed against one another and it has helped me in everything including wrestling and school.”
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