
Dunn resident Jerry Walker with wife, Gail, is shown at the display recognizing his induction to the Gardner-Webb Sports Hall of Fame.
Three former athletes, including Dunn resident Jerry Walker, were inducted into the Gardner-Webb University Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 12.
The school celebrated each athlete at a banquet on Friday evening and recognized them on the field the next afternoon prior to the homecoming football game against Big South Conference opponent, Kennesaw State.
A three-sport standout, Walker, a native of Lenoir, N.C., was part of Gardner-Webb football, basketball and track teams from 1959-1961, playing wide receiver and cornerback (football), forward and center (basketball) and running the 100, 220, 440 and 4×440 relay (track).
Walker earned All-Conference and honorable mention All-America honors on the gridiron in 1960. He capped his career at Gardner-Webb in style, running the anchor leg on a 4×440 relay team that went undefeated in 1961.
“During my years here at Gardner-Webb, the faculty and staff had a profound impact on my life,” Walker said. “I felt everyone here was dedicated to helping me become a successful student and athlete.
“I was blessed to play for coach Norman Harris and Bob Blackburn and they ran the program on a tight budget and built winners on the field and in life.”