With the spring sports season canceled at its very beginning (or before it even started, for some Union teams) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UnionAthletics.com will spend the next few months spotlighting many of the Union seniors whose athletic careers came to a premature end. Previous senior profiles can be viewed by heading to http://www.unionathletics.com/seniorspotlights.
Thomas Walker has been a key member of the Union men's crew team from his very start on campus. After spending his freshman fall in the novice 4 and novice 8 boats, earning Liberty League Boat of the Week honors once in the process, he moved up into the varsity 8 boat during the spring and stayed there for the remainder of his career. As a sophomore, he took second place in the men's open pair event at the Head of the Fish Regatta and was named to the All-Liberty League first team at the end of the season. A four-year member of the varsity 8 boat, he was on three Liberty League Boats of the Week during his career.
Off the water, Walker is a Student Forum representative and is the Senior Class treasurer and secretary. The mechanical engineering major is a three-time Liberty League All-Academic Team honoree and a Dean's List student.
What has been your favorite moment as a student-athlete at Union?
My favorite moment as a student-athlete at Union came racing St. Laurence at Long Lake during my sophomore year. That year we had a talented and tight knit crew, and winning that race was an incredible way to end a season. Our team and St. Lawrence have dinner together prior to race and it is fun getting to know your opponents. The crews are also well matched, which makes for exciting racing.
How has being a student-athlete at Union benefited you over the last four years?
Over the last four years I have been able to work with a diverse group of athletes and this has helped me become a much stronger leader. I learned the importance of listening to everyone's thoughts. Often people would have different opinions or goals, and it was rewarding to combine ideas and motivate fellow athletes toward a common goal.
Do you have plans for post-graduation yet? If so, what are they?
Yes, I will be working for Danforth, one of the largest mechanical construction companies in the state of New York. I also plan to pursue an MBA in the coming years.
What advice (if any) would you give to younger athletes about their time at Union?
I would tell younger athletes to savor every moment, and to always give 110 percent effort. Whenever you think you don't have anything left, you've always got more.
