Taylor Nelson earned 10 varsity letters in his high school career, nine coming in his three years at Union — three in football, three in basketball, and three in track and field.
But forget about his career for a second and just take a look at his accomplishments from his senior season:
• The Union football team, led by the menacing linebacker who would become a two-time Columbian player of the year, made it to the state semifinals.
• In basketball, Nelson was a key reserve, throwing his body around the paint to grab rebounds and intimidate opponents. The Titans would win the state championship.
• And in track and field, Nelson qualified for state in three events — shot put, the 110 hurdles, and the 300 hurdles — showcasing his various athletic abilities.
Football is his favorite sport “probably because you get to hit people,” he said. “That was the hard part in basketball. If things aren’t going well, there aren’t many things you can do about it. In football, you have something you can do about it.”
In football, he was one of the stars. In basketball, he filled an important role. No matter, he loved participating.
Track and field started as just a way to stay in shape for the other sports. But it grew on him, too.
“I motivate myself through competition. I don’t like to lose,” he said. “Even though it was not my favorite sport, I don’t want to lose. I don’t want to embarrass myself. I wanted to be the best that I could be.”
Next for Nelson is football at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. He plans on spending a year there before going on his two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then, he hopes to bring his skills to a Division I program.
