By Dan McGrath
Leo is proud to announce the appointment of Mailk Taylor as varsity wrestling coach, effective immediately.
A Chicago native, Coach Taylor acknowledges that televised World Wrestling Federation matches inspired him to take up wrestling. He is a product of the acclaimed Harvey Twisters youth program, which he describes as “the most impactful organization in my life.”
Coach Taylor enjoyed a distinguished career at Brother Rice High School, winning two Catholic League championships and qualifying for three trips to the IHSA state meet, the first time as a freshman, a first for Brother Rice.
He wrestled with a detached retina for much of his senior year and still qualified for the state meet, but suffered a torn labrum in a semifinal match and was unable to compete for a state title.
Coach Taylor wrestled collegiately at West Virginia University and earned a business degree, which he has put to work as a financial planner. He took up coaching as an assistant with the Harvey Twisters and spent the last two years as varsity coach at Kenwood Academy, producing two Public League champions.
Now it’s on to Leo.
“I’m excited to start a new chapter in my journey,” Coach Taylor said. “I look forward to coaching our young men to success in wrestling and success in life as well.”
Coach Taylor succeeds Michial Foy, who resigned toward the end of last season.
Dr. Shaka Rawls, Leo’s principal, is a former Leo wrestler.
“We’re delighted to have Coach Taylor head up our wrestling program, and we believe in the impact he’ll have on our young men, on and off the mat,” Dr. Rawls said.