“FENWAY'S BEST PLAYERS”

1937-1939 JOHNNY WALKER   C Johnny Walker gained a regular starting spot in his first varsity year in 1936 and never relinquished the post for the ensuing three seasons. Highlight of his football career was Boston U's first victory over Boston College (13-6) in 1937, with teammates Gary Famiglietti, Hall-of-Famer Saul Nechtem, Earl Crompton, Max Miller, and host of other well-known BU Players. Johnny was named captain of the 1938 club and climaxed the season with recognition on the AP All-East second team, UPI All New England team, All American Honorable Mention by Bill Cunningham and All American Honorable Mention by Liberty Magazine. Probably the greatest tribute to his playing, however, came from his opponents. In his senior year he was named to the All-Opponent teams of Lehigh, Army, Villanova, and Boston College; as well as receiving a position on the Villanova All-Opponent teams of 1936, '37, and '38. Upon completion of his collegiate playing he was offered a pro contract with the Chicago Cardinals, but turned it down. A catcher on the BU baseball team for three years, versatile Johnny also made his mark in hockey. When BU came up without a goalie, coach Waylie Vaughan approached Walker to take a try in the nets. Never having played goalie before, Johnny had one practice session before his collegiate debut. In that opener BU posted an 8-3 decision over MIT and went on to win the New England Inter-collegiate title. Highlight of the season, as far as Walker is concerned, was BU's first ice victory over Harvard (6-3) and his first selection as New England's top net tender. The Boston University News applied the frosting to the cake when it named Walker "BU Athlete of the Year" for 1939.