Rick Walker:
CLASS OF 1978
Eastridge High SchoolClass of 1978
Kankakee, IL
Texas A&M University - ScienceClass of 1983
College station, TX
Rick's Story
Life
After graduating from Eastridge I continued my swimming and education at Texas A&M University. I finished with a degree in Recreation and Parks specializing in Special Populations and minored in Physical Education. As a swimmer I was a two time NCAA Qualifier and ranked among the top 50 distance swimmers in the world. I competed one year in Junior College and held five National Records. Just recently inducted into the National Junior College Hall of Fame.I met my wife of 24 years, Eileen (a true heaven sent angel) at A&M while we swam together. We have two children Kyle and Kelsie and one dog making us the typical 2.5 family. We almost lost my wife after the birth of Kyle weighing in at 10 lbs. Kelsie was much easier at 9.3 lbs. At 16 Kyle is 6'5'' and 240 lbs.
I started coaching at Texas A&M University. I came to Southern Illinois University in 1987. We have had a couple of top 25 NCAA Div. I finishes. I have coach several Olympians, Natio...Expand for more
nal Team Swimmers and National Champions. I am currently on my second four year term as the USA Head National Team Coach for Marathon Swimming. This consists of 5K, 10K, and 25K swims usually out in the ocean, sharks included but not eligible for medals. In 1998, we were the World Champions during the World Championships in Perth, Australia. I will finish out my term with World Championships in Japan, Egypt, and Spain and ending with the Olympics in Greece 2004.
My wife works at a travel agency and is upset that I do all the traveling. Kyle is following the gene pool and taking up swimming although he throws a mean shot and discus. Kelsie (13) is an up and coming swimmer with a real talent and ear for music. She can play just about anything she picks up. All I do would mean nothing if it were not for my family. We have been in Carbondale, Illinois for 23 years. Would love to hear from my fellow hall walkers and if your ever in Carbondale look us up.
Register for Free to view all details!
Reunions
Photos