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By NATE HUBBARD/Staff

Taylor Burton is a cannibal.
The Bland County Bear, a sophomore cross country runner, appears to be a soft-spoken, composed athlete.
But beyond her outwardly angelic demeanor, Taylor’s own words let loose a secret – this Bear devours her own kind for a boost before meets.
And even worse, she appears to show no remorse for the hundreds of fellow creatures her cuspids have shredded.
“It’s a tradition,” Taylor said with a shrug and a little laugh.
The 15-year-old Bear, though, can get away with her cannibalistic tendencies as her victims are incapable of emitting cries of agony – in fact, they’re quite gummy.
You’ve guessed it: Taylor’s first-choice for a pre-race snack is gummy bears.
Run, Run: Free time? Not for a varsity runner.
“Mostly just run,” Taylor said when asked what she does in her spare time. “I never have time for anything else.”
Taylor joined the team last year and had a strong first season. Coach Brian Porter said she finished sixth in the district, with her fastest time being 22:33 in the 5k (3.1 miles) distance.
Although running takes up a lot of her day, Taylor still makes time for her schoolwork. She said her favorite subject is biology.
And as if she didn’t get in enough miles during her four cross country practices each week, Taylor also plays for the soccer team.
Finishing is Fun: Taylor didn’t have any grand inspiration for joining the team.
“It sounded like fun,” she said to explain her decision.
She may be one of the team’s top runners, but she still is just as eager to see the finish line.
“I guess just finishing,” Taylor said in describing her favorite part about running. “Knowing that you finished and you’re still alive.”
A Little Better: Despite her natural running ability, Taylor isn’t one to obsess over her times.
She instead focuses more on passing her competitors.
“Beating people,” she answered when asked what she thinks about during a race, as her words once again betrayed her laid-back appearance.
Despite her nonchalant tone, Taylor obviously has a competitive streak.
Although she claimed not to know her placement in the first race of the season and said her performance was “not so great,” she wants to be one of the area’s best runners.
“I guess it would be like my main goal, getting at least fifth in the district,” she said.
Humble Star: Taylor certainly never would have volunteered to have any special recognition.
She kidded to one of her teammates that she was giving short answers to interview questions because she’s a “shy kid.”
But Porter said Taylor is worthy of being pushed into the spotlight.
Not that he ignored the consequences.
“She hates me and now she’s going to plot her revenge,” Porter joked about his quiet, gummy bear devouring star.
Nate Hubbard can be reached at 1-800-655-1406 or .