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Taylor Koss Panther Profile
Photo courtesy of Mike DeSisti/Magazine of Sigma Chi

Men's Track & Field

Panther Profiles: Koss Set To Captain Team USA At Deaflympics

Q&A with former Panther as he is primed for big showing at world games

MILWAUKEE – For many, the summer after college graduation usually is filled with resume building and job searching.
 
Former Panther track & field standout Taylor Koss will spend the next week building a different kind of resume.
 
The college and USA deaf record holder in three events, Koss will now trade in his Black & Gold uniform for a Red, White and Blue one as he is set to captain Team USA for the World Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey.
 
"What an incredible honor this is for Taylor," Milwaukee head track and field coach Pete Corfeld said. "It might not be at the level people are used to seeing, but anytime you can compete for your home country, that is a big deal. Not only that, but to be a captain for Team USA - that's a tremendous honor and speaks to Taylor's outstanding character. He did a lot of great things for us here at Milwaukee, and we wish him the best of luck this week and going forward."
 
Koss already has plenty of national experience, having won both a gold and bronze medal at the 2013 Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria.
 
It will be a busy week for Koss, with five events and as many as 12 races possible for the Green Bay native, starting Sunday. While he certainly has high hopes in all five events, the 400m hurdles have been his primary event since day one at Milwaukee. He brought home two silver medals at the Horizon League Championships in that event and broke his own US and collegiate record in his final run in a Panther uniform with a time of 53.27 seconds.
 
For Koss' complete schedule at this year's games - including links to watch his events live - see below. Fans can also download the Deaflympics app in the iTunes store.
 
Koss' level of success has also drawn a high level of attention from media, both on a local and national level. In fact, before his senior season even kicked off, Koss was featured on ABC's World News Tonight with David Muir. The evening news show, which is broadcast across the country, featured Koss' story during its #AmericaStrong segment, with Muir signing off saying, "We're rooting for Koss, too."
 

Koss made time during his busy training schedule for a short Q&A session with the Black & Gold Network.

Q: First of all, congratulations on qualifying for the Deaflympics this summer! What does it mean to you to be able to compete in these games and for Team USA?
 
TK: Before I answer this, I want to say many thanks to coach Corfeld for accepting me as a walk-on with the Milwaukee team, and to coach Kramer for dealing with a deaf athlete on a hearing team for four years. We connected really well and he helped improve my technical aspects and my form. Without them I would not be part of this Team USA. That said, I feel very honored to be part of team USA this summer. I feel stronger and faster than ever to be competing against other high level, elite athletes from around the world.
 
Q: This isn't your first go around at these games. What was your first experience like back in 2013 and how do you think that will help prepare you for this year's games?
 
TK: My first experience back in 2013 was overwhelming. I learned a lot from well experienced coaches and veterans. They helped me fix my technical aspects. I was studying my films from back in 2013 to learn what should I change, which was primarily my starts out of the blocks and hurdling technique. As I become team USA captain this summer, I'm promising myself and our coaches to make sure the whole team is focused and determined and learning using my experiences and skills.
 
Q: A record number of competitors (over 3,100) are scheduled to compete at this year's games. Have you seen an increase in support for deaf athletes or what would you attribute the rise in competitors to?
 
TK: When I heard the number of competitors in this year's games, I felt amazed. Every country has a great support system and a strong spirit. To me, (this number) means that we have to continue to support each other and use it as motivation for each other.
 
Q: You have a busy schedule at this year's games, running in five events. Is there one particular event you're looking most forward to?
 
TK: I'm looking most forward to is 400 hurdles because it is my thing, and both relays (4x100 and 4x400) because it's always fun competing with my relays team.
 
Q: You've had a tremendous amount of success at UWM. How has training with their coaches and athletes helped you over the last few years?
 
TK: Most of time I learned from coaches and athletes in a visual way, but I have no problem with that. When I see someone doing their block work, running or tempo drills, I always followed them and coach would help me with most things. I'm so grateful that I've been able to train and compete in a great athletic program.

 
Koss' Complete Schedule at 2017 Deaflympics*
Sunday, July 23rd 9:50am // 100m Qualifying
12:30pm // 400mH Semifinals
Monday, July 24th 9:20am // 400mH Final
12:10pm // 100m Semifinals
Tuesday, July 25th 9:50am // 100m Final
Wednesday, July 26th 11:40am // 200m Qualifying
Thursday, July 27th 12:30pm // 200m Semifinals
Friday, July 28th 10:00am // 200m Final
11:30am // 4x100m Semfinals
12:20pm // 4x400m Semifinals
Saturday, July 29th 10:50am // 4x100m Final
Noon // 4x400m Final
*All times listed are Central Time Zone
 
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Players Mentioned

Taylor Koss

Taylor Koss

Senior
Hurdles

Players Mentioned

Taylor Koss

Taylor Koss

Senior
Hurdles