?Roos Add Wardall to Bolster Roster
1/9/2013 1:29:00 PM | Track and Field
"We are excited to have Taylor join the program," said head coach Shameika McField. "He brings with him a commitment to being successful, along with the supplement of hard work."
Assistant coach (distance) James Butler, meanwhile, shares the same excitement as McField. "He has the talent and determination to become a sub-four miler and an All-American, and we will do everything we can to help him reach those goals."
Butler added with Wardall choosing Kansas City, it shows great belief in the Kangaroos athletic vision and commitment to developing into a nationally competitive track & field and cross country program.
A native of Appleton, Wis., Wardall starred at Appleton East High School, as his career highlights included running a 4:08.81 in the mile, which ranked him 12th in the nation, and clocking a 1:52.78 in the 800 meters. During his time as a Sooner, he earned All-Big 12 Indoor Track & Field honors in 2011 and 2012.
In the case of Butler, Wardall feels he's an up and coming coach that knows what it takes for athletes to get to the next level. "During his time at New Mexico, he worked with great athletes such as a two-time national mile champion and several other athletes that were All-Americans ranging from the 800 meters to the 10,000 meters. I think he is a great person and coach who support his athletes both in academics and running, as the same goes for Coach (distance) Jacob Boone."
Boone, who is in his second season with Kansas City, earned All-American honors as a Sooner in the mile event in 2009 and helped his team finish fifth at the NCAA Cross Country Nationals competition. He also earned All-Big 12 Indoor (2007-10) and Outdoor (2008-11) Track & Field honors.
"We are very excited to add Taylor to our program," said Boone. "Taylor, not only will make a big impact for us at our conference meet, but will also have an impact at the national level meets as well.
"Coach Boone is working alongside Coach Butler and Coach McField to help coach and recruit runners to come to UMKC," said Wardall. "I feel the program is up on the rise and I look forward to competing as a 'Roo."