NEW LENOX, Ill. — Entering his 26th season, Lincoln-Way Central cross country coach John Taylor believes his program is primed for another strong year.
The Knights finished 15th at state last fall, a result Taylor said came from steady improvement and a well-executed postseason taper. “Our philosophy is to see improvement while having fun,” Taylor said. “If you’re improving, you’re going to enjoy it more, and you’ll get better results.”
Taylor praised the team’s culture of accountability and motivation, noting that runners use statistics and comparisons with past athletes as benchmarks. “We look at what their peers did last year and challenge them to reach that level,” Taylor said.
With returning seniors leading the way, Central expects to once again compete deep into October and November. “Our expectation is that everyone gives 100 percent, and the results will follow,” Taylor said.
The Knights will get an early test in Peoria at Detweiller Park before hosting regionals for the first time in years. For Taylor, the message is simple: “Be students of the sport, improve every day, and the postseason will take care of itself.”