Apart from the cold temperatures, this upcoming 2023-24 winter season of Taylor sports looks to be a dominant time for Trojan athletics. Three different sports – basketball, competitive cheer and track and field – look to either start their season off on a high note or continue the dominance they’ve already established.
Men’s basketball looks to increase their winning odds later this month with a home game against Saint Francis (Ind.). They also have a packed start to the month of December by facing Marian University before a six-day turnaround, where they play in the illustrious Silent Night game set for Dec. 8 against Great Lakes Christian. They end the month with matches versus Ohio Christian and #RV West Virginia Tech
January won’t be any easier, as the Trojans play three in-conference ranked opponents (No. 2 Grace, No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan and No. 17 Huntington). Hopefully, these tests of true grit can get them into a winning record, thus becoming a powerhouse in the Crossroads League.
In the past couple of games, juniors Anton Webb and Kaden Fuhrmann have become the clear
leaders on the roster. Webb has led the Trojans in scoring three of the past four games, as well as rebounding, averaging totals of 17.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. After transferring from Ashland University last year, his impact has been immediately felt on the court.
Fuhrmann, who suffered an injury for part of last year, looks to regain the offensive output he’s typically known for. He’s already led the Trojans in scoring once already, pouring in 24 points in a 91-66 win against Cleary University and is averaging 14.4 points per game while shooting an elite 42.1% from the three-point line. Fans look forward to seeing what he can do for the rest of the season.
On the women’s side, the season will become a true challenge when they face Crossroads League opponent No. 6 Marian University at home on Dec. 2. The Trojans will have plenty of time to get up to speed before they face the Knights, thanks to matches like a showdown with the No. 7 Rio Grande Red Storm
Following Marian, the women’s team faces a tough stretch of Crossroads League teams, including #RV Grace on Jan. 3 and No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan on Jan. 10.
New head coach Cassie Wiseman started the year off hot by winning three games in a row. In the season opener, Wiseman led her team to an 82-55 victory over Michigan-Dearborn, before tacking on wins against Calumet (IN) and Madonna.
Competitive cheer is set to debut its ranked season in the Marian Invitational along with the Missouri Baptist Spartan Showcase to end the month of January. The cheer team already looks set to improve on their No. 16 ranking.
Indoor track and field will begin their season at the Indiana Tech Warrior Invite on Jan. 19. before hosting the Taylor Trojan Invite, on Jan. 27, showing off their skills to supportive spectators.
