Taylor named new AD at WCDS

By Steve Roush
Published in Sports on June 23, 2005 1:46 PM

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Wayne Country Day has had its share of athletics directors over the years.

Michael Taylor, however, hopes to change that trend.

Taylor, 25, who has been assistant AD and a coach at the school, has been named Wayne Country Day's new director of athletics, replacing Randy Tilley.

"I'd say we've had seven ADs in the past 10 year," said Taylor, a graduate of Charles B. Aycock High School. "I want to be the AD who steps in and sticks around for a long time."

Taylor has been the varsity baseball coach at Wayne Country Day for the past three years, has coached the varsity boys soccer team the past two seasons and has also coached junior varsity soccer, middle school boys basketball, junior varsity girls basketball and was the assistant varsity girls basketball coach.

"I'm ready to get the job done," he said. "We've got a great coaching staff, administration and great parents who support us 110 percent.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge -- actually, I wish school would start tomorrow."

Taylor graduated from East Carolina University, where he majored in exercise and sports science, and is currently working toward an athletic administration certificate at ECU's graduate school.

Taylor said he's committed to growing the Wayne Country Day sports program.

"We've got a good schedule this year," he said. "We have over 20 games scheduled for each sport -- something that hasn't been done in the past -- and we're starting to play more local teams, which is good for the school along with the other county schools.

"We want to get our name out there and be one of the top 1-A schools in the state."

Taylor said the positive atmosphere that permeates the program makes him want to stay the course.

"Everyone works together as a team," he said. "There are a lot of three-sport athletes, they all work hard and it's like family.

"That's what I like about the school, and that's why I want to stay."

Taylor, who has a wife, Stephanie, is also Wayne Country Day's newly appointed dean of students.

"One of my goals is for us to win the Wachovia Cup as the top school in the state," he said.