MOUNT VERNON — It would be inaccurate to say Alex Taylor’s whirlwind wrestling juggernaut came to an end Friday morning in Athens, Greece.
Instead, it was more of a bump in the road.
Hakima Taghiyev from Azerbaijan defeated Taylor in the Under 17 World Quarterfinals by the thinnest of margins: 7-6.
The loss sends Taylor back to Mount Vernon to continue his preparations for his senior year of high school.
One of the people closest to the Mount Vernon wrestling star is Corey Firebaugh, Taylor’s high school coach.
“Alex is a one-of-a-kind talent when it comes to wrestling. His drive and work ethic are second to none. He has proven what you can do when those traits align with your goals,” Firebaugh said after Taylor’s elimination.
“He is a special kid, and we love having him as a leader within our program.”
While Alex’s father, Zach, said his son was holding up well after the disappointing loss, Firebaugh believes the outcome will motivate Taylor even more.
“Alex always has lofty goals, and I will be honest, he was very disappointed in how Worlds went in Greece. He expected to be on that podium,” Firebaugh said.
Firebaugh is convinced the upcoming season may well be another for the record books.
“With him not reaching that goal he set for himself, it’s going to drive him to work ever harder in all aspects of wrestling. From
lifting to conditioning to wrestling, he will have a fire in him like never before,” the coach said.
“We are excited to have him back for one last year, and for him to continue reach his goals and to lead those younger kids within our program.”