“He kept me out of trouble,”
is a quote that John Taylor often references when talking about his former mentor, William Baxter. The 88-year-old coach left a lasting impact on the sport, both as a coach and a mentor, and John is determined to honour his legacy. John, who was coached by William on and off since he was eight years old, competed for the last time at the European Celtic Wrestling Championships in Saint-Renan, France. He won the 100kg seniors category, a testament to the skills and dedication that William instilled in him during their years together. The British wrestling community has lost a beloved figure with the passing of William Baxter in 2023. However, John’s victory at the European Championships serves as a fitting tribute to his former coach.
- John was coached by William on and off since he was eight years old.
- He was determined to honour his former mentor and coach, who had a positive impact on everyone he met.
- John’s victory at the European Championships was a dream come true, and he hopes to do Wullie proud.
| Training with William Baxter | Competition in the British Heavyweight Championships and finishing fourth |
| Returning to the circuit after a 13-year hiatus | Lost over two stone to regain his form |
| Competing in the European Celtic Wrestling Championships | Winning the 100kg seniors category |
John recalls the time he first met William, aged nine, at a tournament in Yoker Sports Centre. William’s bright-coloured kilt stood out, and John remembers how the coach would stick out as well, with his bright personality shining through.
“Every tournament in Britain would involve us jumping into the back of a tiny van and he took us all across the country,”
John says, recalling the family atmosphere that defined their training sessions. William’s knowledge and coaching skills were unparalleled, and John credits him with being able to answer any question about amateur wrestling. The coach’s ability to make complex concepts accessible made John feel confident and prepared for competition. “It was a dream to win my final match on the European stage,” John says, reflecting on the moment he achieved his goal. He credits his late coach with giving him the edge he needed, often wearing Wullie’s tartan scarf before each bout as a symbol of their bond. The victory at the European Championships is a testament to John’s dedication and perseverance. He hopes to continue honouring William’s legacy and keeping his memory alive through his continued participation in the sport. “I have tried my best to honour William, who had a positive impact on everyone he met,” John says, summing up his feelings about his former coach. The tribute he paid with his victory serves as a lasting tribute to the man who “kept him out of trouble” during his younger years.