Sports Release
September 20, 1999

MICHAEL WALTON NAMED LSC SOUTH DEFENSIVE PLAYER-OF-THE-WEEK
PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico University senior middle linebacker Michael Walton (5’10”, 215 lbs., Earth, TX/Earth H.S.) has been named Lone Star Conference South Division Defensive Player-of-the-Week.

Walton earned the honor for his efforts in ENMU’s 23-0 shutout of Ouachita Baptist University at Greyhound Stadium on Sat., Sept. 18. Walton led the ENMU defense in the shutout, recording 18 total tackles, included 13 unassisted stops.

Walton also earned one tackle for a loss, while helping the Greyhounds limit the Tigers to 224 total yards. The Eastern defense also caused 3 turnovers.

Walton is Eastern’s leading tackler on the season, with 20 tackles and 18 assists for 38 total tackles, he has 4 tackles for losses and 2 quarterback sacks. Walton has led ENMU in tackles each of the last three years (96 in 1996, 155 in 1997, and 117 in 1998). He also led the entire LSC in tackles in 1997 and 1998.

Last year, Walton also earned LSC South Defensive Player-of-the-Week honors for his performance in ENMU’s third game. He recorded 11 solo tackles and 6 assists for 17 total tackles, as the Greyhounds defeated Southwestern Oklahoma, 34-6, on Sept. 19, 1999.

In addition, he provided 2 tackles for losses during the game. He was named First Team All-LSC the past two seasons, and was LSC South Defensive Player-of-the-Year in 1998. He was selected to four All-America teams last year.

Eastern New Mexico, 3-0 and tied for 7th in this week’s NCAA Division II Poll, travels to Tahlequah, Okla. this Saturday (Sept. 25) to take on 15th-ranked Northeastern State University. NSU is currently 2-1 on the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. (MDT).

ENMU returns to Greyhound Stadium on Sat., Oct. 2 for the Homecoming game against Abilene Christian University at 2:00 p.m. (MDT).