Senior Malcolm Taylor ended his stellar Uni sports career today by placing third in the 1A 400-meter state finals. Taylor, the defending state runner-up, sprinted more than half a second faster than he did last year. First-time track finalist Albert Anastasio finished 23rd in the 3,200 run.

Senior Malcolm Taylor was one of nine sprinters who made the cut in Thursday's 400-meter semifinals in Charleston. Taylor ran the third-fastest time out of 38 competitors. He and sophomore Albert Anastasio (3,200 run) will compete Saturday for state honors.

After missing the final two meets of the regular season due to a hamstring injury, Malcolm Taylor returned to action Friday night and won the 400-meter dash at the Class 1A Monticello sectional. Two other Illineks also qualified for next week's state meet in Charleston: Isaac Chambers (400) and Albert Anastasio (3,200).

The Uni boys head to Monticello today to compete in the Class 1A track sectional meet. Despite several injuries, the Illineks look to do well, with senior Malcolm Taylor (defending state runner-up in the 400), sophomore Albert Anastasio, senior Isaac Chambers, and the 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams all having a shot at advancing.

The outdoor track season picked up momentum last week as the Uni boys placed third and the girls fifth at a meet hosted by St. Thomas More. Highlights included Lizzy Warner's victory in the 300-meter low hurdles, wins by Albert Anastasio in the 3,200 and Malcolm Taylor in the 800, and a triumph in the 4x400 boys relay. The next big meet will be Friday's Unity Girls Invitational in Tolono.

With senior Malcolm Taylor leading the way, the 2009 outdoor track and field season should be a memorable one for the Uni boys. The team looks to be as strong as ever, especially in distance events. The 1A state finals are scheduled for May 28 and 30 in Charleston. Make plans now — there should be plenty of Illinek athletes going for the gold.