University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Tigers Track And Field Senior Salute: Christopher Walker
May 18, 2017 | Men's Track and Field
Senior was member of record-setting 4x400 meter relay.
Over these two weeks, the University of Memphis men's and women's track and field/cross country programs are celebrating their 11 seniors with a salute to each.
Â
Today's senior salute is Christopher Walker:
Event(s): Sprints/Relays
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Career Highlights
Head coach Kevin Robinson comments on Walker:
"Chris came to our program as a walk-on his freshman year, and he did a pretty good job. However, at that time, he wasn't prepared for all the commitments a student-athlete has to make at this level. So, our strength coach recommended that we not bring Chris back. Over that summer, Chris stopped by my office weekly and asked to be a part of the team again. Chris was persistent, and it got to the point where he wanted to be a part of our program – our family – so much that he was shaken. I told him if he wanted to return that much, he could re-join the squad. Chris literally jumped over my desk and gave me a hug.
Â
"Chris is extremely charismatic and one of the biggest cheerleaders on the team. He's always positive, always upbeat. Chris is really appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of our family. It got to the point where I couldn't tell Chris no anymore, and it's one of the best decisions I made."
Â
Today's senior salute is Christopher Walker:
Event(s): Sprints/Relays
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Career Highlights
- Competed primarily in the 200 and 400 meters and 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays
- Ran opening leg on the school's indoor record-setting 4x400 meter relay (3:13.55) at the 2016 American Athletic Conference Championships; broke the previous record of 3:15.50 set in 1983
- That 4x400 meter relay placed second (won silver) at the 2016 American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships
- Followed up 2016 indoor performance by winning the 4x400 meter relay crown (won gold) at the 2017 American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships (3:13.96)
- Overall, a member of four relay teams that posted top-three performances at the American Athletic Conference Championships (indoor/outdoor combined)
- Competed in seven American Athletic Conference Championships (indoor/outdoor combined)
- For his career, a member of relay teams that had 22 top-three finishes (indoor/outdoor combined)
- Best individual finish at a conference meet was sixth place in the 400 meters at the 2016 American Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships (47.60)
- His 47.60 time in the 400 meters was an overall and outdoor personal-best
- Set his indoor 400 meters personal-best of 49.23 at the 2016 American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships
- Ran a 200 meters personal-best of 22.26 at the 2017 Rhodes Invitational
Head coach Kevin Robinson comments on Walker:
"Chris came to our program as a walk-on his freshman year, and he did a pretty good job. However, at that time, he wasn't prepared for all the commitments a student-athlete has to make at this level. So, our strength coach recommended that we not bring Chris back. Over that summer, Chris stopped by my office weekly and asked to be a part of the team again. Chris was persistent, and it got to the point where he wanted to be a part of our program – our family – so much that he was shaken. I told him if he wanted to return that much, he could re-join the squad. Chris literally jumped over my desk and gave me a hug.
Â
"Chris is extremely charismatic and one of the biggest cheerleaders on the team. He's always positive, always upbeat. Chris is really appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of our family. It got to the point where I couldn't tell Chris no anymore, and it's one of the best decisions I made."
Players Mentioned
Sprints
/ Men's Track and FieldWolfchase Toyota Insider: Track and Field - Feb. 27
Thursday, February 27
Memphis Track & Field: NCAA Preview
Monday, June 03
Memphis Track & Field: Tigers Prep for East Preliminaries
Wednesday, May 22
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Track & Field - May 9
Thursday, May 09