Wheeling Park’s Torrence Walker Commits To Virginia Tech
Park senior was 3x state champ
WHEELING -- The 2021 season was so successful for Wheeling Park's Torrence Walker that even he didn't expect he would accomplish all that he did. And what a season it was for the recent graduate.
Just four days after securing three individual state championships at the W.Va. Class AAA state track meet, Walker answered the question that many have been wondering for quite some time now.
Walker announced on Twitter that he will continue his academic and athletic careers at Virginia Tech.
"I was just happy to get it out," Walker said about making his decision. "Everybody at every meet I've been at asked about it and everywhere I go, too. So it is a big relief."
Walker, who broke the Class AAA West Virginia state record in the 100 when he ran a 10.5 in the prelims, also had offers from Ohio State Penn State and Youngstown State.
But, when he made the trip to Blacksburg, he felt like he was at home.
"The atmosphere. When I visited down there, I liked what I saw. I liked the campus and the athletes there are phenomenal. That's what made me buy in, too," Walker said.
Walker eventually took first place in the 100 at the state meet when he clocked in at 10.59. He was also the state champion for Wheeling Park in the 200 and 400. His time of 21.43 in the 200 was just .04 seconds off of Jefferson's James Jett's record from 1989. Walker ran a 48.45 in the 400 to secure a victory.
"I think both from an academic and from an athletic standpoint, they (Virginia Tech) got some really solid sprinters that he's joining," Wheeling Park coach Chris Dunaway said. "They're always vying for a championship in the ACC every year. And I think for him, he wanted to go to a team that is competing and has a sprint crew that he would contribute to be a part of something bigger."
And as for contributing, Walker said he would love to be an immediate role player for the Hokies.
And not even a week after the state meet, he is getting back to work to make sure that his goals become a reality as a true freshman.
"Yes for sure," Walker said. "I'm trying to make an immediate impact," Walker said. "I'm trying to get on the scene early as a freshman and that's going to come from me working hard. I'm already working right now for next year. That's what the goal is. The goal is to make an immediate impact as a freshman for my teammate."
As for events, Walker's demeanor won't change. As humbled as he is, he is just looking to do what will lead the team to a victory.
"I honestly want to do what's best for the team," Walker said. "If he wants to put me in the 400, I'll run it. If he wants to put me on relay or anything. I want to do whatever it does to make the team better."
Although Walker only spent two full seasons on the track, he certainly made his mark at Wheeling Park High School. He set the school record in the 100, 200, 400 and 4×100. Some of those marks that he broke were held for more than 30 years.
And the memories he made in that amount of time are something he will cherish.
"I felt like I had a better season that I thought I would coming into it," Walker said. "I'm very thankful to be a part of the great team that I was with. Our team as a whole made a mark on the state. I think people will remember that meet for a while."