Athletic Director Larry Walker to retire after 31 years at EvCC

Press Release

Release Date: Oct. 21, 2016

Athletic Director Larry Walker to retire after 31 years at Everett Community College

Photo: Larry Walker and his son Darrell Walker coaching EvCC men’s basketball in 2006. Darrell Walker is now a coach for his daughter’s youth soccer and basketball teams.

EVERETT, Wash. – Everett Community College Athletic Director Larry Walker will retire Nov. 15 after 31 years of working with EvCC athletes. 

“During his career at EvCC, Larry has had a positive impact on athletes, coaches, colleagues and the community. Dozens of players have come through the program and become teachers, coaches and mentors to youth. Former players have coached at the high school and college level,” said John Olson, EvCC Vice President of College Advancement, who has worked with Walker for 25 years. 

A community reception to honor Walker is at 1 p.m. Nov. 9 at EvCC’s Walt Price Student Fitness Center, 2206 Tower St. Everyone who has worked with Walker is invited to attend. 

Walker started in education at Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane in 1975. He came to EvCC in 1985 as the men’s basketball coach, and in 1986 he became athletic coordinator. In 2001, he was appointed as the college’s athletic director. 

Walker was integral in bringing back sports that had long ago been eliminated at EvCC including baseball, volleyball and cross country. He also was a key player in the creation of the state-of-the-art Walt Price Student Fitness Center, which replaced the gym EvCC built in 1958 at 13th Street and Rockefeller Avenue. 

“Simply put, Larry is a legend,” said EvCC Associate Dean of Student LIFE Jennifer Rhodes.

Walker will also retire as the coach of EvCC’s men’s basketball team. Mike Trautman, a former EvCC basketball player, has been appointed as the men’s basketball coach. The athletic director duties will be handled internally until a new director is hired.

Walker is looking forward to enjoying retirement with his wife Carey of 42 years, his three children and seven grandchildren.