On Monday, March 25, the West Elk Patriot baseball team hosted their season opener against Oxford. To kick off the game, former West Elk Baseball Coach Dana Taliaferro threw the ceremonial first pitch. Following the pitch, a special announcement was made by West Elk Assistant Principal Chris Haag, “Coach, we are not quite finished and would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for all that you have done for West Elk. Coach Taliaferro has been a tremendous teacher, athletic director and coach for many years. His commitment to his peers, students and players was demonstrated for over four decades at West Elk.
“Mr. Taliaferro served as the South Central Border League president for numerous years and his leadership skills in this role enabled him to build quality relationships with staff from all of the schools within our league. We could go on and on about his accomplishments as a teacher and athletic director but would like to focus today on his role as the longtime high school baseball coach at West Elk.
“Coach Taliaferro finished his career at West Elk with hundreds of wins and numerous league and regional championships. His baseball teams made many trips to the state tournament and his 2007 team played for a state championship. He was selected as the head coach for the KBCA all-star game on more than one occasion. He has received a plethora of coaching awards during his tenure. However, those who know him best know that it was never about him. His love and commitment to his assistant coaches, players and the game of baseball was remarkable. The relationships that he built within that circle are what meant the most to him. His leadership qualities defined what it means to be a true servant leader. His work ethic and professionalism set the standard for what it means to be a Patriot!”
The announcement concluded with Haag expressing appreciation for Coach Taliaferro and announcing that from that day forward the young men that represent the Patriot Nation will compete on the hollow grounds of Taliaferro Field.
Coach Taliaferro is pictured above with family who were able to attend the surprise announcement. Pictured above from left to right are: grandchildren Ghram and Grace, son Matthew and his wife Paige; Coach Taliaferro’s wife Christal, Coach Taliaferro, his brother Scott and his wife Lindsey, grandson Ander, and his sister-in-law Helen and brother Marty Taliaferro.
(Courtesy photos)
