Once A Saluki, Always A Saluki. Walker Selected for Lifetime Achievement Award

Rick Walker, head coach of Southern Illinois University, has been selected to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Executive Board of the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA).   

Over his 32-year career, Walker led Southern Illinois University to sixteen conference titles and earned thirteen Coach-of-the-Year honors from four different leagues.  His success hasn’t been limited to the pool, however.  In the classroom, nine swimmers earned Academic All-America honors. The Saluki men’s and women’s teams have been named CSCAA Scholar All-Americans every semester since 2011.  He is a pioneer in the sport of Open Water Swimming.  His work helped expand the Olympic Games to include Open Water and was also instrumental in the establishment of the CSCAA’s own National Collegiate Open Water Championship.  

Before joining Southern in 1987, Walker had an impressive swimming career, beginning with seven All-American honors and five NJCAA records at Indian River Community College. From there he moved on to Texas A&M University where he established school records in the 500, 1000, 1650 Freestyle and 400 Individual Medley.   

Walker has earned the respect of his collegiate peers as demonstrated by the number of sons and daughters of college coaches who have attended SIU.  Likewise, Walker has inspired future generations of coaches.  “I have had some amazing examples of coaches throughout my career, but Rick is a huge reason that I myself am coaching today,” explains Southwestern University assistant coach Sarah James. “Rick not only molds great swimmers, but he teaches every single one of them to be great people and wonderful teammates.”