|
Taylor resigns as softball coach at Smoky Mountain
Mark Taylor resigned as Smoky Mountain High School’s head softball coach, citing personal reasons.
Taylor has been coach for three years with a record of 20-43-1. When he took over the program it had never had a winning season. Each year the team has improved its record.
“It was a tough decision to make. It is hard to leave my daughter and all the other girls on the team,” Taylor said.
Taylor’s daughter, Megan, is a rising junior pitcher and has been a two-time all-conference selection.
This year they were 10-12, with the most season wins in the program’s history. The Lady Mustangs tied for second place in the Western Athletic Conference and made the school’s first ever playoff appearance.
Taylor says he will return in the fall as a teacher.
“He will be sorely missed. He did a great job with the program,” said SMHS Athletic Director Mutt DeGraffenreid.
Taylor’s coaching job will be advertised. DeGraffenreid said.
Taylor graduated from Cullowhee High School in 1982 and Western Carolina University in 1988. He teaches technology education at SMHS and works with the school’s electric vehicle program.
He was head softball coach for one season at East Rutherford and was JV coach at SMHS for two years before taking over the varsity.
|
