Athlete of the Week:

Wildcat senior and Varsity wide receiver Tyler Walker earned the honor of being named this week’s Athlete of the Week. “He did everything asked of him and kept a great attitude and winning effort throughout the whole season,” says Head Varsity Football Coach Robert Marion. Walker was on the team for four years. He really enjoyed his teammates and having the opportunity to grow closer to them over the course of the last four seasons. “We all get along well, we have each other’s backs, [and] we are brothers,” says Walker.
Football has been one of Walker’s interests ever since he was in third grade. His older brothers played the sport and this influenced him to try it. “[I] grew up around it, my brothers played it, [and] then I fell in love with it,” says Walker.
This season was Walker’s tenth and final season playing football; he doesn’t plan to play any sports in college. “It’s sad because I know I won’t be playing the sport again,” says Walker. “Especially since I’ve been playing since the third grade.”
For Walker, it’s hard to imagine that his football career is over, but he made many great memories and learned a lot over the years through playing the sport. One of Walker’s favorite football memories is from his sophomore year when his team played against Colleton County. He had a successful pick six (catching an interception and running it for a touchdown). “It was exciting,” says Walker.
Walker’s biggest achievement this season was the team making it to the playoffs. He explained that he really wanted his team to be able to go to playoffs during his senior season. This may not have been possible if Walker and his teammates hadn’t worked hard during and after practice. He notes that sprints and cone drills are the main reason for his success because they greatly improved his agility. “Tyler Walker gave everything he had not only during the game but also in practice,” says Marion.
Every great athlete has a motivator and assistant football coach David Dowd was Walker’s. “He always encourages you and never puts you down,” says Walker. Without motivation, Walker would not be the athlete he is today.
Football is not the only activity Walker participates in. He is a member of National Honor Society, he pole vaults for West Ashley High’s Track & Field team, and he is a member of the wrestling team. With his football career having come to a close, Walker is excited to start his last season of wrestling. “I like it because it is an individual sport and you are responsible for your outcome,” says Walker.
After he graduates in the spring, Walker plans to attend Clemson University, Newberry College, or the College of Charleston. He is currently undecided in regards to a major, but he has started touring college campuses to help determine where he will attend and what he will select as his major.