LTHS Walker named three-peat Swim Coach of the Year

For the third consecutive year, Lyons Township High School physical education teacher and boys’ varsity swim and dive coach Scott Walker was named the Illinois Swimming and Diving State Coach of the Year by the Illinois Swim and Dive Association (ISDA). In addition, the ISDA Hall of Fame recognized Walker with the John Newman Award, which is presented annually to a person who has promoted boy’s swimming in Illinois at all levels through leadership, service and outstanding achievement. This is the highest award presented in Illinois aquatics.

The recognition comes on the heels of a second place state finish for the boys’ swim/dive team.

For the past 24 years, Walker has helped build the swimming program at LT. He inherited a program with a just a few 3rd place state trophies from the mid-70’s and no state champions, and managed to add another four trophies, including two state championships and seven state champion swimmers with three state records.

But according to fellow coach Kurt John, records and trophies are not what make Scott Walker a great coach. “His goal as a coach always has been to develop good people. He wants to make a difference. He has always felt if you can teach a kid to be responsible, respectful, resilient, and to put other’s interests before their own, then you have made an impact that will last well beyond their four years of high school,” Johns said.

According to Athletic Director John Grundke, “Coach Walker stresses the importance of hard work, good sportsmanship, swimming for teammates rather than themselves and doing the little things right every day. The young men who he coaches continue to excel under his leadership and get better in the pool, the classroom and the community. He has created a culture of growth that reaches far beyond the pool and will help our swimmers become successful at whatever they want to do when they leave LT.”