Hall of Fame
 |
|---|
| Sport: Football |
| Year Graduated: 1939 |
| Year Inducted: 1962 |
John H. Walker gained a regular starting spot in his first
varsity year in 1936 and never relinquished the post for the
ensuing three seasons. Highlight of his football career was
Boston U's first victory over Boston College (13-6) in 1937,
with teammates Gary Famiglietti, Hall-of-Famer Sol Nechtem,
Earl Crompton, Max Miller, and host of other well-known BU
Players. Johnny was named captain of the 1938 club and climaxed
the season with recognition on the AP All-East second team,
UPI All New England team, All American Honorable Mention by
Bill Cunningham and All American Honorable Mention by Liberty
Magazine. Probably the greatest tribute to his playing, however,
came from his opponents. In his senior year he was named to
the All-Opponent teams of Lehigh, Army, Villanova, and Boston
College; as well as receiving a position on the Villanova
All-Opponent teams of 1936, '37, and '38. Upon completion
of his collegiate playing he was offered a pro contractwith
the Chicago Cardinals, but turned it down. A catcher on the
BU baseball team for three years, versatile Johnny also made
his mark in hockey. When BU came up without a goalie, coach
Waylie Vaughan approached Walker to take a try in the nets.
Never having played goalie before, Johnny had one practice
session before his collegiate debut. In that opener BU posted
an 8-3 decision over MIT and went on to win the New England
Inter-collegiate title. Highlight of the season, as far as
Walker is concerned, was BU's first ice victory over Harvard
(6-3) and his first selection as New England's top net tender.
The Boston University News applied the frosting to the cake
when it named Walker "BU Athlete of the Year" for
1939.
