Texas Tech Coach Keeps Eye on Talented Freshman Sprinter
Texas Tech track coach Wes Kittley is keeping an eye on his incoming freshman sensation Tate Taylor as he competes in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Taylor holds national high-school records in the 100 meters and the 200, but Kittley jokingly asked him not to break any more records that will go viral. The coach hopes Taylor will be running for the Red Raiders next winter at the Sports Performance Center and next spring at the Fuller Track Complex.
Kittley is surprised that Taylor hasn't turned pro yet, given his impressive performance in recent meets. However, Taylor has told Kittley that he wants to attend college and be a kid for a little while longer. He also mentioned that his family has an NIL deal with Nike, which means they don't have to turn pro if they don't want to.
Kittley is counting on having both Taylor and another incoming freshman, Jake Odey-Jordan, for at least one year. The two sprint prodigies would be a huge boost to the Tech men's team, which is looking to win an NCAA championship for the third time in four years.