Omar-Taylor to provide Warriors with dedication, strong work ethic
By Matt Oliver
BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota – Qadeer Omar-Taylor brings a relentless work ethic and willingness to improve as the newest member of the Waldorf University men’s track and field team.
Omar-Taylor, a senior at Park Center Senior High School, signed a letter of intent with the Warriors on March 25.
“Qadeer is a very hardworking young man and will be a nice addition for us in the hurdles and sprints,” Waldorf coach Kelsey Riggins said. “He has some height, so the transition to the college high hurdles will be a little smoother for him as well.”
A four-year varsity letter winner at Park Center, Omar-Taylor competed for the Pirates in the 110-meter hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4×200 relay and 4×400 relay.
Omar-Taylor is the son of Rayni Omar-Taylor and Gregory Taylor. He will pursue studies in psychology and communications with an emphasis in graphic design. Omar-Taylor said he chose to attend Waldorf due to its close-knit family feel and the sense that others will push him to achieve.
“I chose Waldorf University because I got a sense of family when I toured the campus,” Omar-Taylor said. “Everyone wanted to know what I wished to do in my four years of college, and it seemed to me like the people at Waldorf will do anything to make my wants and dreams a reality.”
Omar-Taylor is excited to continue the next stage of his career with the Warriors, who begin their third year as a program during the 2016-17 academic year.
“Running track in college, to me, means that I have the opportunity to be the first student in my family to participate at the collegiate level,” Omar-Taylor said.
The sixth member of Waldorf’s incoming recruiting class, Omar-Taylor joins New Prague (Minnesota) High School senior Bobby Beaudette, East Sac County High School senior Andrew Murley and Iowa Central Community College transfers Nic Ganzeveld, Bryce Elm and Marquis Cox as the team’s newcomers for next season.
Prior to coming to Waldorf, Riggins coached at Park Center from 2008 to 2014. She coached Omar-Taylor as a sophomore, and he is also a former high school teammate of Auburn Miller, who excels for the Warriors as a dual-sport athlete in track and field and volleyball.
“Qadeer is a natural leader and knows what needs to be done to be the best athlete and student he can be,” Riggins said. “He is not afraid to step up to the plate, and I am excited to be working with him again this fall.”