Sports - The Echo

Pickleball spikes in popularity

By Ashton Boyer · Monday, Oct. 7, 2024

Even though pickleball was first played in 1965, the racket sport pickleball has increased in popularity in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-effectiveness and the competitive nature of the game are likely causes of the popularity.

CFB teams on precipice of success or failure

By Caleb Joshua Heffron · Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Four weeks into the college football season, it’s clear which teams are playoff frontrunners, here are the most impactful successes and surprises in the Power 4 conferences through the first four weeks of the season.

Men’s golf knocks on the Top 25’s door

By Caleb Joshua Heffron · Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Despite not starting the year ranked, the Trojans men’s golf team is in the hunt to break into the Top 25 with a young and hungry core.

Garrido, Lim, Schuitema lead women’s golf to a strong start

By Caleb Joshua Heffron · Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

After a dominant 2023-24 campaign, the No. 19 Taylor Trojans women’s golf team has returned to peak form to start the 2024 fall season.

Women’s soccer starts the new season with a kick

By Chase Petry · Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

After back-to-back wins and the biggest win in Taylor women’s soccer history, the Trojans look to continue the momentum. With a record of 4-2-2, the Trojans have kept themselves above .500.

Trojans volleyball digs in to fight through a tough season

By Spencer Smith · Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024

Taylor volleyball sits at a 6-11 overall record, 1-4 in conference, slotting in eighth place in the Crossroads League. Coming off a four-game losing streak, the team is looking to turn things around in the upcoming conference games.

Never seeking recognition, Taylor’s trainers always stay vigilant

By Caleb Joshua Heffron · Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024

“We want to be out of the spotlight as much as possible.” Those are the words of KC Hackman, the head athletic trainer for Taylor Athletics.

Undefeated Taylor thrills in a gridiron classic

By Dalton Keay · Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024

On Sept. 7, 2024, in Bourbonnais, Ill., the Taylor Trojans defeated the Olivet Nazarene Tigers 58-51 in OT in an instant classic.

Ahna Neideck runs each race with a heart of gold

By Elise Hoylman · Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024

Fifth-year senior Ahna Neideck is leaving an impact in every moment of the Taylor cross country program. She is taking the opportunity to use the gifts God has given her for one last season at Taylor.

Team chemistry credited for men’s soccer early successes

By Samuel DeVries · Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024

The Trojans already have 60 percent of the team’s wins from 2023 in a third of the games played, sitting at a 4-2-1 record.

2024 Taylor Trojans fall sports debrief

By Caleb Joshua Heffron , Samuel DeVries , Naomi Atanus , Chase Petry , Dalton Keay , Spencer Smith and Elise Hoylman · Monday, Sept. 23, 2024

Taylor University sports are back underway with eight teams vying for Crossroads League titles and national recognition.

Taylor tennis revived with coach Josh Grubbs at the helm

By Elise Hoylman · Monday, Sept. 23, 2024

Winning attitudes, Christ-like behaviors and close bonds are all things new tennis head coach Josh Grubbs hopes to build as tennis re-enters the athletic scene for Taylor.

PSA from CJH: The Paris Olympics displayed the majesty of sports

By Caleb Joshua Heffron · Monday, Sept. 23, 2024

The Olympic Games will never be perfect because the world is never perfect.

Normand’s Nuggets: 7 most interesting NFL teams to watch

By Grace Normand · Monday, Sept. 23, 2024

The NFL season kicked off on Sept. 5, bringing many unique storylines with it. Here are some of the biggest shake-ups around the league that you’ll want to keep an eye on, whether for fantasy or just for some juicy entertainment.

Drew Glover takes the reins of the men’s soccer team

By Dalton Keay · Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024

Trojans fans will notice a different face leading the team. The reins have now passed to interim head coach Drew Glover.

A Q&A with men’s basketball head coach Austin Peters

By Caleb Joshua Heffron · Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024

Coach Austin Peters is entering his first head coaching role and brings with him more than a decade of playing and coaching experience. Armed with knowledge of every side of the game, Peters has already begun to use his skill set to integrate himself into the Trojan’s environment.

Conrad Otto: Voice of the Trojans

By Mallory Dotson · Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Every Trojan, athlete and fan alike, has heard the same voice echo across the courts and fields of Taylor’s campus.

Spring 2024 track and field PR report

By Kali Siemers · Tuesday, May 14, 2024

This past weekend was a busy one for Taylor’s track and field team. Both the men’s and women’s teams had outstanding performances at the Crossroads League Championships. The women’s team finished fourth overall with 125.5 points. The men’s team finished fifth with a total of 66 points.

Silent Night brings together the best of Taylor University

By Caleb Joshua Heffron · Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Silent Night.Holy Night.All is calm.All is bright.

Spring sports recap

By Mallory Dotson · Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Trojans are wrapping up the spring season, with championships and multiple NAIA Nationals-bound teams.