Taylor was awarded the national honor after setting a new national record in the 100-meter dash for high school boys’ track and field.
The Harlan community gathered early Thursday morning at the high school track to surprise Taylor with the award.
Friends and family couldn’t wait to take photos and share the moment with Taylor, which he said he truly appreciated.
“I was very surprised because I didn’t expect that many people to be there,” Taylor said. “I thought it was going to be some family members and a few other friends, but it was a big crowd, and I was very grateful.”
Taylor is entering his senior year and could run at the college level or start his professional career next year.
Nick Mantas is an award-winning sports reporter who joined the KPRC 2 Sports Team in September of 2025, coming from channel 2's sister station, KSAT in San Antonio. Before reporting on the San Antonio Spurs for two years, he spent three years in Lansing, Michigan, and one year in Abilene, Texas. He's Greek & a native of Brookline, Massachusetts.