LEBANON — Pioneer senior Eli Taylor put the pen to paper to compete in cross country at the next level. In a ceremony at Lebanon High School Library on Thursday, Taylor inked with Mars Hill University in North Carolina.
“This is a big day for me,” Taylor said. “I’ve visited Mars Hill twice now, and I really like the campus, the team, the coach, and most importantly, academics. They offer exactly what I need. I am super excited to start the next chapter in my life.”
Taylor has been a fixture in an ultra-successful cross-country program in Lebanon for the past four years. The Pioneers are the defending VHSL Class 1 state champions and run for the Class 2 state title on Saturday.
“Eli has always been steady. This year, he really dedicated himself to running cross-country and track in college,” said Lebanon coach Travis Hooker. “Eli put a big summer in with a lot of hard work. He had a lot of opportunities from some other places, but inevitably, he wanted to go to Mars Hill. They offered him a good scholarship, and I’m excited he gets to go where he wanted to go. I wanted him to run somewhere he would succeed and continue to improve.”
Taylor won the Southwest District individual tournament championship and finished a solid fourth in the Region 2D meet. He started running in the sixth or seventh grade and made steady progress.
“Eli knows his body is good, he has a good stride, he has good form,” Hooker said. “I can always count on him, and he’s always right there. In last year’s state race, no one passed him once Eli got to his spot. Wherever he’s supposed to be is where he’s always at, with a little extra. He’s gotten so much stronger this year. He’s a big part of us. If he has a good day Saturday [at the state meet], it enhances our chances.”
A lot of effort is involved in success in long-distance running. There are tireless days running, especially if you want to advance to the collegiate level.
“I’ve been hitting 45 to 50 miles a week since June,” Taylor stated. “I’ve been working hard every day, and it feels good for everything to come together.
“I started talking to a lot of coaches over the summer from several different schools. When I first went to Mars Hill, I could see myself going there as soon as I got there.”
Although looking forward to new challenges, he will miss his time running with the Pioneers.
“I have a great team and coach,” remarked Taylor. “They are a second family to me. I enjoy most aspects of cross country and have a great time with it.”
Taylor plans on pursuing an Allied Health Sciences degree at Mars Hill.
“They have a new facility at Mars Hill, and it’s nice,” commented Taylor. “It’s exactly what I need for my career.”
Eli is the son of Heather and Jonathan Taylor. His siblings are River and Asher Taylor.