ASU wrestling helps raise funds at Zoo Walk for Autism Research

October 27, 2009

The Arizona State University wrestling program continued to take part in its community last week as the Sun Devils joined the Taylor Twins Team at the 2009 Zoo Walk for Autism Research that was held at the Phoenix Zoo on October 17. The Sun Devils, along with former two-time All-American G.T. Taylor, came together to walk the 1.1 mile loop at the zoo and raise money to research treatments for autism, which two of Taylor's sons are affected by.<separator></separator>"Two of my son's have autism and my wife Karen and I are very passionate about helping fund research for autism," Taylor said. "This was not only a great event for our family, but also for Arizona State University. ASU has a very large hand in the research for autism here in the state with professor James Adams leading the way. The walk was a great event and having the Sun Devil wrestlers there to support this community and help a worthy cause was remarkable. I know we appreciate their help."<separator></separator>Overall, the walk raised over $120,000 for autism research. The Taylor family (G.T. and Karen and their children Logan, Jordan and Rylan), Kirsten Metz, P. Clarke and the Sun Devil wrestlers and staff set out on the walk with a goal of raising $400. After the walk, The Taylor Twins Team had raised $560.<separator></separator>Athletically, Taylor was a two-time All-American for the Sun Devils, earning national honors at 177 pounds in 1990 (seventh place) and at 167 pounds in 1991 (seventh). A member of the program from 1988-92, Taylor was a part of four Pac-10 team championships and three NCAA Top 2 team placements, including the 1988 NCAA Championship crown. He and current Sun Devil head coach <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-wrestl/mtt/charles_shawn00.html">… Charles</a> were teammates during that time as well.