INDIANAPOLIS - After leading Cardinal Ritter High School to a Class A state championship and an undefeated season in his final prep campaign, Illinois State freshman wide receiver Tyrone Walker was named the City Male Athlete of the Year by the Indianapolis Star Monday.
Walker, a three-year varsity letterman, was also named a 2008 Indianapolis Star Class A All-State and Super Team selection as he helped lead Ritter to its first undefeated championship season in school history.
"Tyrone had a very good year and helped his team to a state championship, so this award does not surprise me," Illinois State head coach Brock Spack said. "We watched his performance in the championship game and that's what sold us on him as a player. He has tremendous hands and the size of his hands are amazing for a player of his stature. As a receiver, you have to be able to catch the ball and move the chains and that's what he can do. He's a dynamite prospect as an inside receiver for us."
The Indianapolis native amassed an all-classes state-record 1,834 receiving yards as a senior and finished his prep career with 3,301 total yards, which ranks third in Indiana history. Walker was instrumental in helping his team win the championship, as she hauled in 11 receptions -- a Class A state championship game record -- and racked up 183 yards to help the Raiders win the title at Lucas Oil Stadium.
"He has been very humble during the season and was always trying to put his team first," Cardinal Ritter head football coach Ty Hunt told the Indianapolis Star. "I believe his skills will lead him to find the right combination of competitive spirit and preparation that will make him successful in whatever situation that life may throw at him. He is someone who can be a talent both on-and-off the field at the next level."
Walker's ability wasn't limited to just the football field. He was also a two-year letterman in basketball and averaged 12.1 points and 2.2 steals as a senior, helping the Raiders win a school-record 17 games, the Class 2A Sectional 43 championship and their first Indiana Crossroads Conference basketball title.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, TRC gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
