Billy Walker, AU’s new athletic director, has brought a new wave of success to AU athletics. The department has improved in general, from the teams winning streaks to the impressive performance of the new coaches.
Many expected Walker would face a slight adjustment period before he could bring real change to the athletic program. But Walker has done quite the opposite, he has hit the ground running.
Right from the beginning he made successful changes. In May, The Eagle reported that within 10 days of his term Walker was hiring coaches and getting work accomplished. He hired three new coaches, he was a part of the Bender renovations and he has become a vocal member of the AU community.
Aside from Walker, AU’s athletic program has seen an incredible amount of success this semester. All four teams qualified for the Patriot League tournament and field hockey and volleyball both qualified for the NCAA tournament.
Athletes and students alike find that Walker brings positive energy to the athletic program. Unlike many AU administrative members, Walker goes out of his way to be involved with the AU community. He goes to games, practices and meetings. Athletes have reported that there is a definite improvement in administration involvement with the athletic program. People genuinely like him.
With Walker’s presence growing on campus, who knows, he may be the one who brings school spirit to AU. – E
edpage@theeagleonline.com
