NORTHWESTERN COACH RANDY WALKER DEAD AT 52
Sad does not begin to describe this: Randy Walker, head coach at Northwestern, died last night of a heart attack. The university’s set to have a press conference at 10:00 a.m. Walker had checked himself into a hospital for chest pains before, and had been diagnosed with myocarditis, a relatively rare viral infection of the heart.
Walker is survived by his wife and two adult children. Condolences to all at Northwestern and Miami of Ohio who knew, worked with, and watched Walker coach his rollicking brand of football. Shocking just doesn’t cover it right now.
Filed under: Big 10 Conference, Coaches, the BCS, scandals, arrests, and other eccentri, College football by Orson Swindle
Loading ...
30
Shocking…
I always loved seeing great academic institutions like Northwestern compete against (and many times upset) the big dogs in the B10. Condolences and best regards to the Walker family and the Northwestern community.
Comment by J.J. — June 30, 2006 @ 5:55 pm
29
You can tell a lot about a man, just by shaking his hand. Walker was a prime example of this for me.
I have very fond memories of Walker as a student at Miami, and Big Ten Football Fan.
Coach Walker, you’ll be missed.
http://www.criticalfanatic.com/2006/06/30/coach-walker-youll-be-missed/
Comment by CriticalFanatic — June 30, 2006 @ 4:16 pm
28
Coach Walker was the only man I’ve ever met with calves bigger than my dad’s. I took Football Theory from Coach Walker and his staff at Miami, and the class was not at all easy, especially since Coach Walker graded on a strict bell curve. It was about a lot more than X’s and O’s; what it was really about was coaching theory and how to relate to athletes, especially high school and college kids. The thing that sticks out most in my mind is that Coach Walker taught us that the measure of a coach is not wins and losses, but whether s/he leaves the program better than s/he found it.
By that measure, Randy Walker was an overwhelming success. Good thoughts to his family, and Godspeed to Coach Walker.
Comment by Robb — June 30, 2006 @ 3:17 pm
27
Just sad news all around. I always enjoyed watching his team play, b/c you knew no matter what the score, Northwestern would never, ever quit, and there was always a chance they would come back.
He coached the game the right way, and all who knew him are better for coming in contact with him.
He will be missed.
Comment by Beergut — June 30, 2006 @ 2:51 pm
26
A very sad day. Teachers, coaches and adults that survive him now have the duty and responsibility to carry on his legacy in leading students and children everywhere in playing and living “the right way”. God be with Randy and his family.
Comment by Tim Mc — June 30, 2006 @ 12:29 pm