Taylorsville runners have had a lot of success lately. 

Last fall, the Taylorsville boys captured the Class 5A cross country championship. This season, the track team looked to compete with the best teams in the state. Two key members of that team were Kai Makowski and Edward Stout. 

Makowski is a senior distance runner, while Stout, a junior, also competed in distance events. Both competitors helped fuel Taylorsville’s surge to the top of the pack in 5A. Makowski enjoys running because of the rush it gives him. He also likes going out on the track each day to try to break his own records. 

“I think competing is just a lot of fun—the adrenaline that you feel beforehand and the pain and exhaustion that you feel pushing yourself during and at the end,” Makowski said. “Most of all, I love to compete against myself, just getting better than I was before.”

Likewise, Stout loves track because it allows him to push himself and test his limits. It’s satisfying to see the positive results of his hard work, he said. 

“What I enjoy most about competing is seeing improvement in my times and seeing progress,” Stout said. “It’s always nice to know that I’m getting better. I keep competing so I can watch my running ability progress.”

Both runners began competing in track and field while in the eighth grade. Makowski had played soccer but switched sports when his coach moved. As for Stout, it was a coach of a different sport who suggested Stout would be a good runner. 

“I started because my middle school PE teacher and wrestling coach at Eisenhower Jr. High, Bryan Stevenson, thought I had the potential to succeed, as I was always a fast runner in PE,” Stout said. 

Taylorsville head track and field coach Chad Farnes is grateful both Makowski and Stout chose to give running a try. They have natural talent and quickly became leaders and top performers for the Warriors. 

Makowski said one of his best traits as a runner is his ability to maintain a good outlook, even when he is struggling or when there are challenging obstacles to overcome. 

“I think my strengths are keeping a positive attitude and staying consistent,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Stout isn’t afraid of putting forth a focused effort, whether in a meet or at practice. Track can be a demanding sport, but Stout’s determination and resilience has helped him achieve his goals and be a tough runner to beat. 

“I’m a hard worker and I’m very dedicated,” he said. “If I really put my mind to something, I’m able to work towards that goal every day.”

Setbacks and disappointments can occur, even to the best runners. Stout said he does his best to shake off tough results and push forward. 

“It can be hard to stay motivated at times, especially after poor performances,” he said. “Although, it’s important to remember that one bad race doesn’t define you and you should not let that un-motivate you.”

Makowski said he doesn’t get complacent. Rather, he is constantly evaluating his performance and determining ways that he can be an even better runner and contributor to the team. 

“I’m always looking to improve every aspect of myself,” he said. “I want to get stronger, faster, gain more endurance and also be stronger mentally, too.”

Both Makowski and Stout said the Warriors have a close-knit program where there is an environment of positivity, support and respect. Everyone on the team has an important role to play. 

“The best part of being on the Taylorsville team is definitely the people,” Makowski said. “There are awesome vibes all the time, and I just couldn’t ask for better people. They all make me work harder to be a better person. My teammates are honestly the best. I have so much respect for them, and they push me in ways that I cannot express. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the people around me and the alumni that I’ve ran with in the past. Genuinely, these people mean everything to me and have set me on a good path. The memories and lessons I have learned will last me a lifetime.”

Stout is grateful for the friendships he has made on the team and with how kind everyone is to one another. He said it’s truly a family-like team. 

“The best part about being on the Taylorsville team is the friendly atmosphere,” he said. “Everyone at Taylorsville is welcoming and easy to get along with. I believe Taylorsville’s track team is one of a kind. Some of my greatest friendships were built in track. My teammates help motivate me in races and hard workouts. Even when I don’t believe in myself,
they do.” λ