Derrick Taylor didnÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t put South Point, Ohio, on the map, but he has coaxed the rest of the Buckeye StateÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s track and field community to see where it is.
Taylor is the Gatorade Ohio male track and field athlete of the year. The South Point High School senior is the first performer from southeastern Ohio to garner the honor in its 40-year history.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWhat a tremendous accomplishment,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Pointers coach Chuck Wentz said.
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound throws specialist won OHSAA Division II shot put and discus state titles, leading South Point to a seventh-place team finish.
TaylorÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s first shot effort of the season was his best, a 67-foot, 6-inch throw at the Coal Grove Open. That heave ranked eighth nationally. His personal best in the discus was 191-2 at the Division II district meets at Meigs High School, ranking 52nd in the country.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI like both the shot and the discus,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Taylor said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe discus is more satisfying. I can get better in both.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Taylor signed with the University of Tennessee.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œTennessee is getting a good one,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Wentz said.
The Gatorade award takes into account athletic, academic and community achievements.
Taylor, who has a 3.92 grade-point average, has volunteered at community events, including the South Point High School Hall of Fame Dinner, and served as a mentor for youth track competitors.
“Finishing his senior campaign with a pristine ledger in both weight events, Derrick Taylor emerged as Ohio’s king of the rings, indeed,” said Rich Gonzalez, editor for .
Taylor has thrown just three years. He said heÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s thrilled to be honored by Gatorade.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s amazing,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Taylor said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s awesome. I just do what I do and have fun, and here we are.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
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