WICHITA—Taran Taylor had one of the best javelin performances of season and was awarded the American Athletic Conference Men's Field Athlete of the Week honor, the conference announced Wednesday.
 
Taylor threw the javelin 71.37m/234-2 for a runner-up finish at the KT Woodman Classic. He finished second to only former Shocker All-American Aaron True.
 
Taylor's throw slots him at No. 15 in the NCAA and No. 6 in the West Region this year. He also leads the AAC in the men's javelin.
 
Taylor joins Michael Bryan and Rebekah Topham as Shockers who have been honored as conference Athletes of the Week during the 2021 outdoor campaign.
 
The sophomore thrower had a nearly three-year break between throws in collegiate competition as injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic have kept him away from throwing the javelin.
 
The former USATF Junior champion is back in form and figures to be in the mix for All-America status.
 
Taylor and the rest of the Wichita State track and field team return to action this weekend at the John McDonnell Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The meet starts Saturday and concludes Sunday.
 
American Men's Track Athlete of the Week: Chris Borzor, So., Cincinnati
American Men's Field Athlete of the Week: Taran Taylor, So., Wichita State
 
American Women's Track Athletes of the Week: Rayniah Jones, R-Fr., UCF; Caisja Chandler, So., Cincinnati
American Women's Field Athlete of the Week: Nu'uausala Tuilefano, Jr., Houston