Although winning feels great, the thrill is short-lived, says Tom Walker, who believes working effectively as a member of a team is a life skill
-
For Tom Walker, the most gratifying aspect of his career has been watching teams develop their full potential by utilizing the skills of every player. When the Schulenburg Shorthorns brought home the Class A Texas State Football Championship in 1972, Tom was the school’s athletic director and head coach. Elaine Thomas photo -
The Coach Who Practiced What He Preached -
Photo source: 1973 Schulenburg Roundup Yearbook at the Schulenburg Public Library. -
The Walker’s family photo dates back to Tom’s early days as head coach in Schulenburg. Left to right are: Jolene, Tom, Terri, Marilyn and Doug. Renee and Kevin are standing in front. Tom and Marilyn Walker’s four oldest children chose careers as coaches, and the youngest is a physical therapist. -
Tom Walker (right) presents the state championship trophy to Schulenburg ISD Superintendent A.C. Winkelman (left) following the big game in December 1972. Mr. Winkelman had been instrumental in bringing Tom to Schulenburg. Photo source: 1973 Schulenburg Roundup Yearbook. -
When he was a Boy Scout, Tom had the opportunity to attend University of Iowa football games and sit with the players after he finished his ushering duties. -
While basketball was the most prominent sport in Iowa when Tom was growing up there, something about football drew him to the game. He relished that sport during his coaching career. -
Although his focus certainly was on coaching sports, Tom and his wife, Marilyn, made a point of participating in Schulenburg ISD activities such as proms.
In the summer of 1972, the Schulenburg community was anxious. The year before, the Schulenburg Shorthorns had gotten as far as the Class A state football semi-final championship, a very respectable showing, indeed. A prestigious publication called Dave Campbell’s Texas Football picked the Shorthorns to take the title, even though the school board had just hired a coach named Tom Walker.
Did the…
Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription. Alternatively, you can click on the red box displaying the $0.99 sign on the right-hand side here to purchase a single issue and access this story. Enter your email address and proceed to make the payment.
