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March 1, 2011

Student Athlete Spotlight: Dillon Walker

By Lee Coleman, Staff Writer Enid News & Eagle

As the son of a military father, Enid High School senior Dillon Walker has seen the world. Throughout all the travels and changes in his life, Walker has found a way to stay grounded and more importantly, focused.

“My dad played college sports, and he has instilled a hard work ethic in me along with maintaining good principles like family and God,” Walker said. “He taught me to be a good person and treat others the right way.”

According to the Enid Plainsmen second baseman, those principles and ethics have served him well in life.

Because of the foundation laid by his parents, Terry and Cindy Walker, the eldest Walker son has realized there are bigger things in life besides baseball, a game he loves dearly.

“They taught me to be a good person and always help people out and be a good Christian,” Walker said. “Baseball is a big part of my life, but family comes before that. I realized that and I’m glad I did.”

As a senior and an important cog to the potential success of the 2011 Plainsmen baseball team, Walker is ready to get the season going Friday.

“My senior year is going by quickly,” he said. “I can’t believe I’m a senior. It only seems like yesterday I was a freshman. I’m happy the season is here and hopefully I’ll be successful and have a good year. I hope our team has a lot of success.”

Walker will move from the outfield to his natural position as an infielder this season, playing second base. Walker is a consistent .400 hitter and bats third in the Plainsmen lineup.

“Playing outfield last year really made me respect those guys that are out their everyday,” Walker said. “It’s tough out there. I feel very comfortable moving back to the infield. I’ve played there my entire life.

“I feel like a leader at second base. I just feel more comfortable at second like I am supposed to be there. Hitting comes and goes. I just try to hit the ball middle and away or where the ball is pitched.

“I try to stay within myself. I’m not a big guy and I’m not going to hit a lot of home runs. I just try to hit line drives gap to gap.”

Walker has a 3.7 GPA and hasn’t decided on a course of study in college. He hopes to play baseball in college and has had Lincoln University, Rose State College and Oklahoma Wesleyan looking at him for his future services.

In his spare time, Walker enjoys hanging out with his friends and going to the mall and movies.

His favorite food, without any question he said, is his mother’s chicken fetticini.

Walker will be the first to say his relationship with his family has made the most difference in his life.

“I love the game of baseball,” said the affable Walker. “But without my family, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Now, my younger brothers (freshmen twins Jake and Jackson) are on the team with me. I am very happy I will get to play with them in my senior year.

“It will be a good experience. I’m excited. It is fun having them out there with me. I try to help coach them up some.”

Brothers will be brothers, but Walker hopes he can help his younger siblings along the way not only in baseball but in life.

“Find out what you want and go after it,” he said of his message to not only his brothers but young people in general. “Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something. Try to get better at something everyday.

“Do something everyday to be productive. Getting on Facebook and texting all day is a waste of time. That can be done later in life.

“The key to success is hard work. Work hard and good things will happen.”

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