Taylor lays out program details
By Kelly Griffith-Fields news@bullardnews.com

Athletic Director Jim Taylor came to Bullard with 11 years of experience and new goals for the Panther's athletics program.

As athletic director and head football coach he brought fresh ideas to the field; with new workout regiments. All of this in an effort to give the team the tools they need to succeed, he said.

With new sports seasons opening, parents and community members were concerned of Taylor's focus.

"As the athletic director the important job is overseeing the entire athletic program," Taylor said

And that was exactly what was brought into question at January's school board meeting; whether or not Taylor was over- -seeing all sports or focusing on preparing the football team.

"There were some parents that didn't understand our program, " Taylor said. "But the meeting was a good opportunity to allow time for questions and answers."

The goal is to build a total program; allowing the kids to do what they want to do to achieve the highest level of success, he said.

Taylor said the girls program is doing well, speaking of the volleyball season and how well the ladies' basketball teams are proving to be.

Taylor attributed the success of the programs to the coaches in charge.

"We need to stay focused, as of right now our girls program is on track as for the entire program we are doing well," he said.

"The number one thing we want is for the kids to excel in as many sports as they would like. We want as many avenues open, but we also want the kids to enjoy themselves and that's the goal."

As for opening avenues, Taylor said a goal of his from the beginning is now a reality. Bullard in the near future will be hosting its first track meet and powerlifting meet in a long time.

While waiting on the completion of the new stadium that will encompass an eight-lane track the existing track has been resurfaced.

"I'm excited because many students have expressed an interest in track," track coach Shane Nobles said. "We hope that the community will come to support these athletes. "

Taylor's hopes for the track and powerlifting meet is to show case the school they're so proud of, to display talents in front of the community and adds that there is just something special about home games.

The high school track teams will compete in Bullard Thursday, March 27.

The coaches hope that parents and community members will come and show their support for these athletes that rarely get to show case their talents on Bullard soil.

The powerlifting meet will be held in Bullard Feb. 16 with both girls and boys teams competing.

"Our powerlifting season goes hand in hand with our off season," powerlifting coach Joe Brannen said. "Our goals are to get bigger, faster, stronger and allow the athletes the opportunity to compete against other schools in weight lifting."

Taylor is proud of all the efforts shown by the Bullard athletes and coaches in each sport.

"We feel like everything is going in a good direction," Taylor said. "We want to keep on rolling."