Dave Taylor is one of the most successful wrestling coaches in the history of Maryland.

In his 18 years of coaching at Southern Garrett High School, Taylor has amassed 381 dual meet victories, while crowning 21 individual state champions. Team titles include eight regional championships and five state team titles.

A two-time NCAA Division III qualifier at DePauw University, Taylor began coaching the Southern Mat Club in 1992 and took over the high school program in 2001.

What makes his coaching achievements even more impressive is that Southern Garrett High School is one of the smallest schools in the state.

Barbara L. Baker, the superintendent of Garrett County Public Schools has watched as Taylor transformed a team hampered by forfeits into a state power.

"We are a very small school district in western Maryland with a total of just over 3,800 students district-wide. As you can imagine, Southern Garrett High School is also quite small," said Baker. "Yet today through tremendous effort, Mr. Taylor's teams are not only full, but they also rival many other schools with much higher enrollments. This is a testament to Dave's dedication to the sport, the school, and the community in which he lives."

But what is more impressive is the impact Taylor has on his wrestlers' lives.

"He genuinely cares about each of his student-athletes," Baker added. "At the end of the season banquet every year, seniors give a speech about what their high school wrestling career has meant to them. I have listened as these tough guys are brought to tears as they describe their wrestling family and what Coach Taylor has meant to them."

Those sentiments were echoed by Paul C. Edwards, chairman of the Garrett County Commissioners, who said he, too, has heard current and former Southern Garrett Wrestlers sing their coaches' praises.

"Dave is humble enough that he will never acknowledge his role in their success, but will give all credit to his wrestlers and assistant coaches," said Edwards. "Many coaches can win matches, but few can impact young people the way Coach Taylor does."

Dave Taylor is the owner of Green Acres Garden Center, where he often employs his athletes.