TAYLOR'S ON TOP: Carver's Dontay Taylor is unbeaten in nine long jump competitions and is the defending champion in Baltimore City.
Male Athlete
of The Week
Dontay Taylor
Carver Vo-Tech
Track
The senior is unbeaten in the long jump so far this season, having won all of the nine competitions in which he has participated.
Taylor recently lept a career-best of 23 feet, seven inches, which is the leading effort in Maryland to this point.
"I am the defending long jump champion for the City of Baltimore," said Taylor, who credits his Bears' coaches, Stephen Kimes and Clifton Wright, for helping him to maintain a consistent level of achievement.
"This is a big season for me," said Taylor, who placed third in the city championships as a sophomore, and who was fourth at the Class state meet.
"I broke the eight-year long Woodlawn Invitational record with a jump of 22 feet, five inches," said Taylor, a returning Class 3A North Region titlist. "And I did it with a bad ankle."
Taylor's goal is to eclipse the Maryland state long jump record, which is 24 feet, one inch.
"With the help of [Kimes and Wright," Taylor said. "I will achieve my goal of breaking the Maryland state record."
Taylor, who stands 5-foot-6, and weighs 161 pounds, was also a running back and strong safety on the Bears' football team.