LYNN WALTER

Coach Lynn Walter had a long and successful career as track, cross-country and tennis coach at Calhoun High School.  His cross-country teams won 16 regional championships between 1968 and 2003, including an incredible 10 straight from 1973-1982.  He was named Georgia Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1983 and was the Atlanta Track Club Coach of the Year in 1993.  He coached the teams to three state runner-up finishes, five third place finishes and five fourth place finishes.   One of his students, Brent Beck, was the overall state champion in 1974.

As track coach, his teams won two regional championships and had a student-athlete compete in the state championship 29 of his 30 years as coach.  Coach Walter coached state champions Brent Beck, Jeff McBee and fellow Hall of Famer Mike Durham.

Coach Walter still volunteers as an assistant coach for Calhoun High School.  In post-retirement, he coached the state winner in the high jump.

He is the only coach in Calhoun history who has had state champions (or runner-ups) in three different sports; track, cross-country and tennis.

As a student at Calhoun High School in the mid-1950s, Walter was a stand-out athlete in baseball, basketball and of course track.  He was a member of the relay team in the state championships and graduated from Calhoun as part of the Class of 1957.  Coach Walter went on to graduate from the University of Georgia and earned a Masters degree from Peabody College.  He served six years in the National Guard.

Lynn Walter has donated over 42 gallons of blood to date to the American Red Cross.  He is an active member of Belmont Baptist Church and a multiple time participant in B.R.A.G. – Bike Ride Across America.  Most any day you can find Coach Walter riding his bike or working out at the local gym.  He also enjoys gardening and reading.

Lynn and his wife, Linda, have two sons, Robbie (wife Michelle) and Russ (wife Angie); six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.  Lynn and Linda Walter are celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary today.