Athletics at George Fox

Athletics Support Staff

CRAIG TAYLOR Director of Athletics

Craig Taylor is in his 20th year as the director of athletics at George Fox, but has been associated with the Bruins for 33 years as player, coach, and professor. He first came to George Fox in 1971 as a junior forward for the men's basketball team, and during the 1972-73 season helped the Bruins to their first-ever NAIA District 2 title.

Taylor graduated from George Fox in 1974, receiving honors as the Outstanding Man in Teacher Education and Outstanding Physical Education Major. He received a master's degree in education from Linfield College in 1975. While enrolled in graduate courses, he was a George Fox residence hall director.

From 1974-79, Taylor was the Bruins’ baseball coach, posting a 47-91 record in six seasons, while also serving as assistant basketball coach. He owned a sporting goods retailing firm from 1979-81, but returned to George Fox as coach of the women's basketball team from 1981-93, producing a 12-year record of 162-155. He also coached the softball team from 1981-88 and again in 1990, compiling a 77-99-1 record in nine seasons. In 1985 he was named NAIA District 2 Softball Coach of the Year.

The director of athletics since 1988, Taylor is responsible for all athletic department functions, including eligibility and compliance with George Fox, Northwest Conference, and NCAA regulations, budgeting, and department and sports center management. Under his leadership, the Bruin athletic program transitioned from membership in the NAIA to the NCAA Division III and joined the Northwest Conference in 1995-96. Five new sports - women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s golf - have also been added during his tenure. In 1992, he was named NAIA District 2 Administrator of the Year.

Taylor was an assistant professor of health and human performance at George Fox from 1978-1989, and since then has been an associate professor in the department. He was named “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” in 1998, and served as the school’s vice-president for student life in 1999.

Taylor, 56, and his wife, Kathy, live in McMinnville and have three children: Leah, 33; Bree, 28, a 2001 George Fox graduate who played volleyball for the Bruins; and Casey, 18.