Sweet Baby James

James Taylor will never forget his roots as an assistant coach. Nor will he ever downplay their importance to an athletic program. Entering his third season as head coach of the Warren Central High School girls track and field team, Taylor is no stranger to the program. He became an assistant in 1993 and worked under four head coaches - including his predecessor Hope Robinson, who led the Warriors to their first state title in 2006. During his time at Warren Central, Taylor has seen the program go from a virtual unknown to a state power. The Warriors have won the past three Indiana High School Athletic Association state championships, and they've claimed nine consecutive sectionals and eight straight regionals. With the indoor track season set to begin - and concluding with the Hoosier State Relays at Purdue University on March 21 - Warren Central is focused on a fourth straight outdoor crown. Despite the graduation of superstar Candyce McGrone, a two-time state champion in both the 100- and 200-meter dash, Taylor believes the Warriors should be "right in the thick of things" when the outdoor state meet rolls around in June. As usual, there should be no shortage of talent at Warren Central, especially in the sprint events. Senior Ebony Wright, who pulled a hamstring at the regional meet last year and missed the state competition, could contend for individual championships in the 100 and 200. Based on last year's times, she returns as the fastest female sprinter in the state. Among other Warriors expected to contribute are senior Qaniah Douglas (hurdles and long jump), junior Breauna Turner (distance) and sophomores Brianna Aikins (middle distance), Brionna Harrison (sprints) and Logan Hayes (sprints). Taylor, who spends his days as a social worker at Warren Central before heading out to practice, took a few minutes from his busy schedule to speak with VYPE reporter Chris Nelsen. Nelsen: As a high school track athlete, you were part of three state championship teams at Gary Roosevelt from 1981-83 (the first of nine consecutive titles for Roosevelt). What was it like competing for legendary coach John Campbell? Taylor: They have such a rich tradition in track there, and whenever I see coach Campbell, I tell him that I always looked up to him. He was the type of coach you could watch and learn from. Nelsen: Aside from Campbell, were you inspired by any other coaches at Roosevelt? Taylor: We had an assistant by the name of Roosevelt Pulluim, and he helped a certain group of athletes and encouraged us to be good citizens. I worked mostly under his tutelage and valued my time with him. Nelsen: Do you think assistant coaches get enough recognition? Taylor: I'll always show praise to my assistants because nobody ever gives them credit. For as much as they do, it seems like they live in the shadows. To be honest, assistant coaches have the flexibility to do more with certain kids. Nelsen: Did you enjoy being an assistant at Warren Central for all those years? Taylor: Yes. In my heart, I'll always feel like an assistant coach. Nelsen: Did you think your team would be able to pull out a third consecutive state title after losing Wright in the regional? Taylor: Going into the state meet, before Ebony was injured, I thought we would win by 15 or 20 points. When she went down, my assistant coach (Jeff Williams) pulled me to the side and said, "Everything will be OK. We can still win it." Nelsen: Did you think your team could hold its slim four-point lead over North Central heading into the final event at state? (Warren Central had a 47-43 edge, but failed to score any points in the 1,600 meter relay after dropping the baton during the second heat. North Central, one of the top-ranked relay teams in the final heat, needed to finish fifth or better to claim the title, but placed 15th overall). Taylor: I was like, let's watch this race and see how it pans out. I thought North Central would have scored higher, but it's just one of those things. I can't explain it, and I don't think their coaches can explain it, either. We let the chips fall where they may, and luckily, we came out on top. Nelsen: Even though some people will consider North Central the favorite to win an outdoor state championship this season, do you think your team can pull off the four-peat? Taylor: When people try to predict how good a team will be based on the state meet last year, I don't pay attention to that. Every year, the rankings put us second or third, but on any given day, you have a chance to win. Sure, North Central will probably be the favorite, but I believe we have enough talent and desire to compete with any team in the state. -