Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Trent Taylor

Senior Trent Taylor is a rare breed of athlete that seems to have been long extinct. This spring when the senior class graduates, Trent will be one of the few athletes who can say they were a true three sport athlete. In a world where it seems more and more young athletes choose to specialize in a particular sport, Trent embodies all things “old school,” which includes his competitive drive and toughness, which is why he is this week’s student athlete of the week.

Trent began playing basketball at an early age, and has always been hyper-competitive in every sport in which he has competed. Juggling the demands of football, basketball, and baseball can be difficult, especially during the summer months, but Trent has always persevered because of his team first attitude and toughness.

“The biggest changes we have seen in Trent over the last 4 years have been in those situations that have not reached his expectations,” says Mark and Traci Taylor, Trent’s parents. They go on to add, “Whether it’s a class in which he didn’t get the grade he expected, or on the athletic field when he had to take a back seat for a year, he never complained or gave up, and did whatever was necessary to improve in the classroom and achieve the grade he wanted, or in a particular sport to earn playing time.”

After being one of the leading receivers for football team this past fall, Trent jumped right onto the court and emerged as a starter and sharpshooter for the Wolves. After starting slow out of the gate, the Wolves have improved with an overall record of 11-6 and a SPC record of 4-3. Trent is averaging 6 points per game, as well as 2.6 rebounds per game.

However, it is Trent’s willingness to do the tough jobs that do not always fill up the box score that has new head coach Ryan Velazquez excited. “Trent is always shot ready, and willing to do the little things to help his team win,” says Velazquez. He goes on to add, “Whether it’s to get on the floor for a loose ball, or to step in and taking a charge, Trent is always willing to do the little things to help his team win.” This was personified when the Wolves played Joliet West earlier this season and Trent stepped up to lead the team with 5 offensive charges.

Trent’s willingness to sacrifice his body for the team allows other starters Andre Hughes, Sam Schultz, and Kamron Battle to average over 10 points a game each. But Trent’s role is defined by his grit and quiet leadership. “Trent leads by example on the court,” says Velasquez. He goes on to add, “You may not see him talking that much, but he leads by example with his actions.”

Playing three sports on the varsity level definitely has its demands on an athlete’s time, but Trent has managed to put academics as his top priority, which is evident by his 3.6 G.P.A., 1250 on the SAT, and 26 on the ACT.

Trent is hopeful on following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by attending Purdue University. After taking numerous courses Oswego East has to offer in the field of business, Trent’s hope is to major in either Business or Finance. His Accounting teacher, Graham Brown, believes he will be successful, saying, “Trent has a quiet confidence, and is a very positive and respectful young man.” He goes on to add, “I see Trent succeeding in business because he has a very good work ethic, is very organized, and is a competitor in everything he does.”

Playing three sports for four years has given Trent a perspective on success working with a number of teammates and coaches. For future Wolf athletes, Trent tells them to, “get in the weight room as soon as you can, and listen to your coaches, because while you might not understand all of the decisions they make at a certain time, they always have the big picture in mind.” Trent is hopeful the big picture will include some hardware on both the basketball court and baseball diamond, and the lessons he’s learned on hard work in grit will no doubt put him in an advantageous position when continuing his academic and work career.