The Ragin’ Cajuns are mourning the death of former athletics director David Walker. Walker served in many roles in the administration for more than thirty years, including his run as the interim AD from 2005, then officially taking the reins in 2007 through his retirement in 2010. Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker remembers his impact.
“He was a no-nonsense guy who was very straight and to the point and because of that I think the coaches at UL at the time really really respected him,” said Walker.
David Walker helped navigate the University and Lafayette communities through the aftermaths of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Jay Walker remembers the AD as being an effective fundraiser for the department.
“The university’s athletic budget when he took over was about $12 million and when he left, it was almost up to $20 million by 2010 when he retired. He was very persuasive,” said Walker.
Just before his retirement, Walker hired basketball coach Bob Marlin and former football coach Mark Hudspeth.
“Coach Marlin is still here. Coach Hudspeth took the program to heights that they had never seen, the very first bowl game in over 40 years and went to four straight R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowls,” said Walker.
