Legendary Coach Leaves Lasting Legacy At Selinsgrove Area High School

SELINSGROVE — Jim Taylor didn’t know it at the time, but when he was drafted into starting the boys track and field program at Selinsgrove Area High School, he was absolutely the right man for the job. Taylor, who passed away recently, left an indelible mark on the school and the community, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.

Taylor’s journey as a coach began many years ago, when he was tasked with building the boys track and field program from the ground up. With no prior experience in the sport, Taylor threw himself into the challenge, pouring his heart and soul into the team. He spent countless hours recruiting athletes, developing training programs, and mentoring his players, both on and off the track.

Under Taylor’s guidance, the Selinsgrove Area High School boys track and field team flourished, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the state. The team won numerous championships, and Taylor’s athletes went on to compete at the collegiate and national levels. But Taylor’s impact went far beyond the wins and losses. He was a mentor, a motivator, and a role model, who inspired his athletes to push themselves to new heights, both physically and emotionally.

Taylor’s coaching philosophy was centered around the concept of teamwork and camaraderie. He believed that every athlete, regardless of their ability or experience, had a vital role to play in the team’s success. He fostered a sense of belonging and unity among his players, and encouraged them to support and encourage one another, both on and off the track.

As a result of Taylor’s tireless efforts, the boys track and field team became a tight-knit family, with a strong sense of pride and loyalty. His athletes adored him, and he was revered by his peers and the community at large. Taylor’s legacy extends far beyond the track, and his impact will be felt for years to come. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on, inspiring future generations of athletes, coaches, and mentors.

Taylor is survived by his wife, his children, and his grandchildren, who will carry on his legacy and continue to inspire others through their own achievements. The Selinsgrove Area High School community will come together to celebrate Taylor’s life, and to honor his memory, with a special ceremony and dedication of the track and field facility in his name. The ceremony will be a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the school and the community, and who will never be forgotten.