Local Track Athletes Receive All-American Honors at Central Methodist

The Central Methodist track & field program had a record-breaking season in 2021. The Eagles finished the season with a record seven NAIA All-Americans following the conclusion of the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships last month. Among those to receive the honors were seniors Taylor Bottomley of Harrisburg and Hayden Hackman of Glasgow. Bottomley, a senior thrower earned the honor after finishing seventh in the hammer throw and eighth in the shot put. Bottomley says those podium finishes were a great way to end the season.

Bottomley also participates in the discus for Central Methodist. Despite being a senior and completing his undergraduate, Bottomley will return to the CMU track team for his extra season after the 2020 outdoor season was canceled due to COVID-19. Bottomley discusses his goals for his final year.

Bottomley’s fellow senior and training partner, Hayden Hackman also had a stellar showing at the National Championships as he finished in third place in the decathlon. The Glasgow High School graduate finished first in the shot put, 400 meter dash, discus, and the 1500 meter run en-route to finishing third overall in the decathlon. Hackman explains what it’s like to train for something that features ten different disciplines.

Hackman initially came to Central Methodist as an intermediate runner but switched to the decathlon at the start of his sophomore year. Hackman explains the reason for the switch.

Unlike Bottomley, Hackman won’t be returning to Central Methodist for his additional season. Instead, he will be attending medical school in Monroe, Louisiana. Hackman plans to go into family medicine upon completion of medical school.