Student-Athlete of the Week Eric Walker

Thanks in part to a position change, Eric Walker has been a valuable producer for the 12-3 Niwot High School boys soccer team, which begins Class 4A state playoff action on Oct. 27.

Cougars head coach Stephen Dimit moved Walker from center back to striker and the senior responded by becoming one of Niwot's leading scorers. His six regular season goals were third-most on the team, behind juniors Javier Alvira (9) and Josh Ary (10).

"After a few games, just getting the experience up there (at striker) made me feel a lot better," Walker said. "It definitely feels more natural than being a center back."

Walker's most memorable goal was the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over 4A/3A Longs Peak League rival Skyline on Sept. 29. Including that win over the Falcons, Niwot finished league play 9-0 to take the title.

"We put in a lot of work this season and it was good to finally get the results that we wanted," said Walker, who also had a two-goal game against non-league opponent Denver North. "We knew that we were probably the best team in the league, but being able to shut out almost every team except for that last game (a 2-1 defeat against Riverdale Ridge) and get the win and then win League, it felt really good."

As he mentioned, Walker takes a good deal of pride in Niwot's defensive abilities.

"Our pressure up top has been one of the identities of our team," Walker said. "We just constantly press our opponent and we don't give them time on the ball, which really helps us capitalize on mistakes on their backline and score goals that way."

The athleticism Walker possesses is also utilized by the Niwot track and field team. In his junior season last spring, he had four first-place finishes in the 110-meter hurdles, two wins in the triple jump, and was a member of the state championship winning 4x400 relay team.

Walker hopes he can continue his success this spring while attracting some more attention from college programs.

"Obviously, I want to improve my times," Walker said. "My 110 hurdles is probably my best event, so I just want to get faster in that and hopefully win State this year."