Long-time, eminently successful, and widely respected Wissahickon girls' track & field and cross country coach Michael Walker died on August 23rd. His wife, Donna, shares some of his background below. Coach Walker always seemed to have the respect and undivided attention of his athletes. He coached numerous district and state medalists. But he was also a coach's coach. One of his proteges, first year Wissahickon XC coach, and 11-year T&F assistant coach Donna Butt credits Walker with teaching her how to coach young women; how to set her own expectations; when to ask for more, and when to back it down a notch. "He just knew how to keep athletes running for you and how to get them to want to run for you." But most of all, Butt has a distinct memory of Walker's genuine caring for each of his athletes, no matter what their ability. "He gave every girl something they could achieve and something they could aspire to."
If you have a memory of Coach Walker you'd like to share, either comment in the forum box below this story, or email don@penntrackxc.com.
2002 Feature on Coach Walker on PennTrackXC.com
Michael S. Walker
Michael Walker, beloved husband, father, teacher and coach, died peacefully on August 23 in Philadelphia at age 66. His loving family surrounded him at the time of death.
Mike was born in California and grew up playing volleyball on the beaches near Los Angeles. At Torrance High School, where he was class President, he participated in track and field, cross country and basketball. Mike migrated east during the 1960’s to attend Temple University, where he studied education and received his BA. During this period he became active in the Socialist Worker’s Party. His experience with socialist politics informed his entire life, and he remained a life-long advocate for the weak and disadvantaged.
Mike married his wife Donna (nee Patterson), also of California, in 1964. They had one daughter, Lisa, who is a professor of English at the University of Southern Maine. Donna taught elementary school in the North Penn School District. In retirement, the couple lived in Cape May, NJ and Bonita Springs, FL.
He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Jean Furey (nee McCunningham) and Thomas Furey, his sister, Donna Erickson and brother in-law, Jack Erickson, his brother, Pat Walker and 4 nieces and their families.
In 1970, Mike joined the faculty at Wissahickon High School in Ambler, PA, where he taught social studies until his retirement in 2002. As an educator, Mike introduced innovative techniques, such as the “open classroom,” and instructional computer technology to help his students learn. He was also a leader in the Wissahickon Education Association where he advocated for the district’s faculty.
In 1972 Mike formed the first girls’ track team at Wissahickon and was the team’s first coach. Under his leadership, the team became a powerhouse. His teams won gold medals at the league, district and state championships, and at the Penn Relays. Mike also coached the equally successful girls’ cross country team at Wissahickon.
Coaching became Mike’s passion, and he devoted himself to the art of coaching for more than three decades. Mike valued dedication and leadership in athletes of all abilities, including hard workers who were not obvious stars and elite runners who went on to prominence on the national collegiate level. He always felt that the challenge of track could be a pathway to self-improvement, personal esteem, and life-long success.
While 'retired' in Cape May, Mike volunteered at Middle Township HS for a few years, and was Head Coach at Lower Township for one year.
Mike’s life will be celebrated at a gathering of friends and family on September 13 at Shanachie Irish Pub, 111 Butler Pike Pike, Ambler, PA. Visitors may call between 3 and 5 pm.
A scholarship for a girls’ track athlete has been established in Mike’s honor. Contributions can be sent to: Mike Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund, Wissahickon High School, Houston and Dager Roads, Ambler PA 19002.