Cornelius family excited to see Taylor make his final home start

STILLWATER — Taylor Cornelius’ answer to the question was exactly what media covering the Oklahoma State football team would have expected from the mild-mannered, football-focused quarterback.

“We have two games left after Saturday,” Cornelius said when asked about impending senior day, and his final game inside Boone Pickens Stadium.

But here’s the twist: It wasn’t a media member who asked the question. It was his mother, Phyllis Cornelius.

“I’m sure I’ll tear up a little bit, but that’s what a mom does,” she said. “But Taylor will be fine.”

The Cowboys host No. 9 West Virginia at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium, the 11th game for Cornelius as OSU’s starting quarterback, after watching from the sidelines almost exclusively the previous four seasons.

“Every game, it’s gotten a little bit easier,” Phyllis Cornelius said of her in-game emotions while watching her son. “The first one was a little bit rough on my nerves, but it’s settled down a little bit. I don’t wring my hands as much as I was early on.

“I’m just proud of what he’s done.”

Through 10 games, Cornelius ranks sixth nationally with 3,123 passing yards, completing 60.6 percent of his passes with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Though his reception from OSU fans has been hot and cold, Cornelius has been nothing but grateful for the opportunity Oklahoma State has given him — on the field and off, when he’s been the starter and when he wasn’t.

“This has been my home away from home,” he said.

“I feel like Stillwater has embraced me and I can’t thank them enough.”

Cornelius says he wants to be remembered for his perseverance.

“Someone who stuck it out, that didn’t get their opportunity for a while, but it pays off in the end,” he said.

Cornelius could’ve left, could’ve taken a chance at another Division I school or a smaller school closer to his hometown of Bushland in the Texas panhandle.

But he waited, and it’s been worth every moment.

“Absolutely no regrets at all,” said Warren Cornelius, Taylor’s father. “Four years of waiting, and this fifth year has been a big celebration, and enjoyment the entire time.

“If he has that oppor- tunity to go to the next level, he’s gonna take that opportunity. If not, he’s got a great education and built a lot of friendships. It’s a long-lasting lifetime experience.”

Cornelius is working on this third degree, along with a couple minors, so he’s taken advantage of his time in the classroom.

On the field on Saturday, his family’s emotions will be erratic, but Cornelius will remain centered — just like always.

“The way he likes to focus is game to game,” Warren Cornelius said. “Get this one done and go to the next one.”