Athletic Report
December 9, 1999

MICHAEL WALTON NAMED TO AFCA BURGER KING COACHES’ ALL-AMERICA TEAM
ENMU Linebacker is only Repeat Selection on Defense
PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico University junior middle linebacker Michael Walton (5’10”, 215 lbs., Earth, TX/Texas Tech Univ.) has been named to the 1999 Burger King Division II Coaches’ All-America Team as selected by members of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

Walton, who also earned a spot on the 1998 Burger King Division II Coaches’ All-America Team, was the only repeat selection on defense. Walton was the second ENMU player to be named to an AFCA All-America Team when he was selected last season.

The other ENMU player chosen for an AFCA All-America Team was Conrad Hamilton at defensive back in 1994. Hamilton is currently playing for the New York Giants of the National Football League.

Walton earned 147 tackles this year, including 89 unassisted tackles, 58 assists, 22 tackles for losses and 7.0 quarterback sacks. He finished his career with 515 total tackles (214 solo, 301 assists). He made 58 career tackles for losses (246 yards lost) and registered 15.0 QB sacks (119 yards lost).

Walton was nominated for the Harlon Hill Award, which is the NCAA Division II equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. He was the Lone Star Conference South Division Defensive Lineman-of-the-Year in 1998 and was named First Team All-LSC South in 1997 and 1998. He was chosen Second Team All-Conference in 1999.

In 1998, Walton was named to four All-America teams. In addition to earning a spot on the Burger King Division II Coaches’ All-America Team, he was also chosen Second Team A.P. Little All-America, Second Team Daktronics Division II All- America and Second Team Football Gazette All-America.

This year, he has been named to the Daktronics, Inc. All-West Region First Team and is eligible for a repeat appearance on the Daktronics, Inc. All-America Team. The A.P., Daktronics and Football Gazette All-America teams will be released at a later date. During four seasons at ENMU, Walton started every game and led the team in tackles each year. He recorded 96 tackles to lead the Greyhounds during his freshman season, then led the team and the LSC with 155 tackles as a sophomore.

Last year, he provided 117 tackles to lead the conference. This year’s 147 tackles allowed him to move past the 500-tackle mark and become Eastern’s all-time leading tackler. Walton has also excelled in the classroom.

He was named to the LSC All-Academic Team each of his final three seasons (1997, 1998, 1999). He was voted to the GTE Academic All-District First Team this season. The AFCA has selected an All-America team every year since 1945.

This year’s Division II team includes players from NCAA Division II and NAIA colleges and universities. Each recipient of the prestigious award receives a plaque commemorating his selection.

MICHAEL WALTON’S CAREER STATISTICS
515 Career Tackles
58 Career Tackles for Losses
15.0 Career Sacks