Josh Neaves, Sports Editor
Madison County Journal

July 11, 2007

MADISON -- When Taylor Jones decided to major in English while playing baseball at Millsaps College, he didn't know it would be a perfect fit for him once he graduated.

"My grandmother was an English teacher at Millsaps," said Jones of his decision to major in English. "My family and I have always enjoyed reading books."

After graduation, Jones was helping coach Mark Fanning at St. Andrew's as an assistant coach during summer league play. One night when the Saints were playing Canton Academy, Panthers head coach Gerald Ray started talking to the young coach.

"He was coaching third base for St. Andrew's. I was talking to him and he was looking for a job," said coach Ray. "I didn't think about it much because we needed a coach who could coach English and there aren't a lot of those out there."

"When he said he majored in English, I told him I could probably give him a job right then and there. I just had to make sure it was alright with the headmaster."

Now Jones has been hired as an assistant coach not only in baseball but also for coach Ron Jurney's football team.

"I'm pretty excited about it," said Jones. "I've been out with the football team and met some of the kids. I've met the parents and they seem like good people. The community here seems to center around this school."

Coach Ray is excited about what Jones can bring to his baseball team.

"Coach Jones will add a lot of stuff that I need to the program," said coach Ray. "He has an area of expertise that I do not have. Coming from Millsaps he knows a lot about base running and bunting. I think he will also bring some new practice plans and new drills."

"The main thing is probably energy."

While at Millsaps Jones was a part of three top 25 NCAA Division III teams. Taylor played regularly as an outfielder, pinch hitter and pinch runner for the Majors. He played in two NCAA Regionals, won two conference championships and three division titles.

In high school at St. Andrew's, Taylor played in a state championship series his sophomore year and a South State Championship his freshmen year.

The first year assistant coach will fill the void left by assistant coach Michael Burkett, who is leaving Canton Academy to fulfill his last remaining year of football eligibility at Livingston University and to begin pursuing his masters degree.

"We will miss coach Burkett," said coach Ray. "I certainly wish him luck. You got to get it out of your system if you still want to play. You can't let it go to waste. I've given him a lot of responsibility and he did a good job for us."

A quarterback for two years at St. Andrew's, Jones will probably be working with wide receivers and defensive backs for Canton Academy's football team.

"In football, I think the more coaches you have the better," said Jones. "I'll help out, teaching routes and other things."

Jones will get his first game experience with the Canton Academy Panthers football team on August 23 when Manchester Academy comes to Canton.

Jones will begin work with the baseball team one week after the completion of football.