Athlete Spotlight: Ole Taylor

BISMARCK – Ole Taylor was a standout on the football field this past season for Bismarck Century. The senior linebacker led his team in tackles and seemed to be everywhere to make a positive play for the Patriots.
The all-state selection, who has committed to play football next fall at Southwest Minnesota State University, has his wrestling background to thank for that.
“Football and wrestling go hand-in-hand,’’ Taylor said. “I believe a lot of my football success is due to using leverages and the body’s strength to move opponents on the football field. And football has helped my intensity level and my conditioning on the wrestling mat.”
And his wrestling success is quite impressive. Since a state runner-up finish at 182 pounds as a freshman, Taylor has won back-to-back titles at 195 and 215 pounds, respectively. He is a favorite to win a third at the 215 division.
“Being a state champion has always been the goal,’’ said Taylor, who has uncles (Eric and Jarret Mogen from Watford City; and cousins (Jeseb and Gunnar Mogen from Velva) who have state titles to their credit. This year I feel that the expectation to win is higher,’’ he admits. “This year my confidence in my abilities had improved and being comfortable in tight situations to do what I need to do.”
Ole was introduced to the sport in grade school, taking part in youth wrestling programs. Eventually it was on to middle school and into Century’s program. “I started wrestling because it was our family’s sport and I enjoyed the competitive nature of it,’’ he said. “I didn’t have a ton of success in middle school.”
That changed his freshman season, however. The wins started to come  and his confidence grew.
“I would say that he is a natural athlete and one heck of a competitor,’’ Century coach Nathan Humann said. “He does not like to lose and he’s tough. When it’s time to dig deep, he is able to get the job done. “(Early one) he was able to execute techniques at his size that very few guys are able to do or have the confidence to do.”
Ole’s all-around skill set is what makes him formidable. “Not all 215 pound wrestlers can execute the takedowns, turns and bottom techniques that he does, Humann adds. He moves well at his size.”
Success in sports doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a high commitment level that extends beyond the regular season. And Taylor’s offseason schedule is full. “Our team does the University of Nebraska team camp, which is may main source for offseason wrestling work,’’ he said. “I do train through Sanford Power in the summers on top of football camps and my personal lifting program.”
And while wrestling requires strength and sound technique, that is just one-half of the equation.
”I think what most people don’t realize about wrestling is that it’s just as much mentally demanding as physically (demanding),’’ he said. 
And a strong mental side is crucial when you know you are going to get every opponent’s best shot.
“I think it has been harder for him going from hunter to hunted,’’ Humann said. “Some people just try to keep it close so he has had to try and to push himself to separate the scores in matches to go get major decisions, technical falls and pins.”
Taylor’s wrestling style is a cross between aggressive and opportunistic, but always staying in control. “Wrestling smart and keeping myself in good position,’’ he said.
He credits his coaches for helping him best prepare for his competition.
“I truly believe Century has the best coaching staff in the state with the mount of time they invest in the team and how they care each member of the team,’’ Taylor said. “And the assistant coaches are always willing to help and put in extra time.”
Humann said Taylor’s quiet demeanor make him more of a lead-by-example mentor to his teammates. “He does extra work and pushes himself every day at practice,’’ he said. “Young kids notice those types of things and he’s not afraid to take those kids under his wing and talk to them.”
With just over a month of the season remaining Ole his focused on a strong finish to his career.
“I am just excited for the rest of the season and for the team to show what we can do in the postseason,’’ he said.