Kansas State’s Gene Taylor named AD of Year after Wildcats win big in hoops, football
Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor has been named AD of the Year by his peers.
It is easy to see why he won the honor.
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics selected Taylor for the award shortly after a sensational year came to an end for K-State’s two biggest teams. Chris Klieman led the Wildcats to a Big 12 football championship in December and then K-State faced off against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Excitement then began to build around men’s basketball, and coach Jerome Tang led his team to 26 victories and an appearance in the Elite Eight.
By any measure, it was one of the most successful seasons that Manhattan has ever seen.
“I am very thankful and appreciative to be honored by my peers,” Taylor said in a statement. “The success that we have had at K-State is the direct result of the passion and hard work that our entire staff puts forth each and every day, and I am blessed to be a part of such a special place, at a special university, filled with very special people.”
Taylor hired both Klieman and Tang as head coaches at K-State, which has given him a reputation for making excellent hires.
He also is currently serving on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee and the LEAD1 Board of Directors, so his hard work extends beyond K-State.
Taylor will be recognized at a NACDA convention this summer in Orlando, Florida.
K-State hired Taylor in the spring of 2017.
During his tenure, the K-State football teams has played in four bowl games. The Wildcats have also won a Big 12 championship in both basketball and football. He has also raised millions for facility enhancements across campus.
Everything seemed together for K-State under his leadership this season.
