Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, July 20, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is mailed to subscribers and available at www. taylorpress.net.
KERLEY DOES IT AGAIN
Fred Kerley, a Taylor High School alum, is now the fastest man in the world. It was fitting that the feat happened on the campus of the University of Oregon, home of the Ducks.
This past Saturday, July 16, Kerley registered his third consecutive sub-9.8 second performance in the preliminary heats, running a time of 9.79 seconds. In the final, Kerley won his maiden individual World Championship gold medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.
Kerley clocked a 9.76 time, his personal best, in the 100-meter event from lane six finishing first at the USA Track and Field (USATF) outdoor championship back on June 24, also held at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.
His personal best time of 9.76 makes him the sixth fastest man in history over the straightaway sprint.
When asked why he ran the 9.7 in the first round Kerley responded, “Because they had to go to sleep thinking about that 9.7. I didn’t.”
Along with bringing home the world championship and gold medal, Kerley collected $70,000 in prize money from the event.
Fellow Americans Marvin Bracy-Williams and Trayvon Bromell completed the medal sweep for the United States in the 100-meter event placing second and third.
Since June 9, Kerley has clocked a 100-meter time of 9.92 or faster six times on his way to the world crown.
Kerley attended Taylor High School, and his youth team was the College Station Sprinters in College Station. Afterwards, he attended South Plains College from 2013 to 2015 before transferring to Texas A&M University.
Less than one year ago Taylor celebrated a silver medal performance at the Olympic games in Tokyo, Japan by hometown track athlete, Fred Kerley.
PARKS AND REC RECOGNIZED
Parks and Recreation Month allowed city staff an opportunity to recognize the importance of local features and the people who maintain them.
On July 14, the Taylor City Council issues a proclamation for the aforementioned month in July.
“Parks and recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including Taylor,” read Councilmember Mitch Drummond from the proclamation signed by Mayor Brandt Rydell. “Parks and recreation increases a community’s economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction, and whereas parks and recreation is essential and adaptable infrastructure that makes our communities resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change.”
Tyler Bybee, Taylor parks and recreation director, wanted to be sure to credit the rest of the parks and recreation department who were out on duty.
“Our whole maintenance crew, … we had a softball tournament today out at the (Taylor) Regional Park that got a weather delay when that wind blew in,” said Bybee, “I want them to be up here because they do all the work.”
