Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University
Hershey Walton: Growing Up at Temple
8.16.15 | Football
PHILADELPHIA - As the calendar turned to August and the beginning of football training camps, observers expect the Temple Owls to be strong defensively with returning standouts. Names like Tyler Matakevich and Praise Martin-Oguike highlight preseason watch lists. Expectations are high for multi-year starters to drive the team's success.
One name that may not be as recognizable to fans is Hershey Walton. However, he has been a constant in the program since arriving in North Philadelphia in 2011. Since then, he has been a stalwart on the defensive line, making 20 starts in three seasons and earning three letters. His impact off the field and in the classroom makes him one of the true diamonds of the Owls' program. The man who finds himself consistently on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll and American Athletic Conference All-Academic team has reached lofty heights with his volunteering as well. The 2015 graduate earned a spot as a nominee for the 2015 Allstate AFCA Good Works team for his commitment to community service and academic success. He also garnered some attention for his consistent play, as Phil Steele Publications placed him on the preseason All-American Conference second team.
Walton returns to head coach Matt Rhule's team even after completing his bachelor's degree in advertising. He enters his redshirt senior season as a graduate student. His path to a Temple degree wasn't easy but serves as an example to others. After high school in Reading, he spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy, known for preparing young men for college, athletically and academically. Walton said the biggest adjustment to the academy was the removal of electronic communication that dominates modern society. He couldn't call, text, or email his friends or family. The only method he could use was sending and receiving letters. Walton says the experience humbled him and despite the isolation, he is grateful for the experience. "It's not necessarity a good place to be, but it's a good place to come from."
Walton entered Temple in the 2011 season and devoted himself to his studies. He cites the countless hours he spent in the team study hall as a catalyst to his future successes. Tutors showed him the value of time management and providing balance to efforts. "Study long, study wrong" was a precept he embraced. His consistent appearance on the American's All-Academic team and Athletic Director's Honor Roll show those hard-earned lessons have not been lost.
What sets Walton apart from many peers is his commitment to community service. His works with organizations like Walk A Mile in Her Shoes, focused towards stopping abuse against women, and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has earned him the nomination to the 2015 Allstate AFCA Good Works team. He cites the influence of family as the driver of his efforts. Hershey had an aunt fight breast cancer and was raised the middle son between two sisters. He sees his role as a high-profile athlete as the platform to give back to the community. "It's an honor to give back to the cause," he says.
In addition to his academic and altruistic successes, Walton enters his redshirt season having played in every game of his Temple career. The three-year letter-winner will provide leadership to an experienced and talented defense this season. His position sees him usually over the nose of the ball, staring down the center, and attracting blockers that open gaps for teammates like Matakevich, Martin-Oguike, DL Nate D. Smith and FS Alex Wells. Stats underlie his effort and impact on the field, although he did record a career-high 4.5 tackles for loss in 2014 and bat down two passes.
As he's developed as a player, he remains his toughest critic. "The hardest person I've ever played against is myself." He cites defensive coordinator Phil Snow as a source of motivation and driving force, reminding him "it's not what (the opponent) did to you, it's what you didn't do to him."
What does the future hold for Walton? He'll continue to pursue his master's degree during the season, something he couldn't imagine attaining when he first arrived on North Broad. His advertising degree from Temple will open doors for his career. Walton hopes to someday own a restaurant, given his love of cooking and family connections. As he enters the final year of his college career, his role as a leader on this team could be the most important one he plays at Temple. He serves as a mentor to younger guys who might be homesick or struggling with the transition to college and the FBS. Walton uses his own journey and leads by example for the underclassmen, knowing he's faced many similar challenges. Under Coach Rhule, he sees a lot of change and growth in the program.
"Greatness and success are right ahead" for the Owls, as he sees it. It would be a tremendous legacy if his influence could shape this program for the future and create more well-rounded student-athletes like Hershey Walton.
One name that may not be as recognizable to fans is Hershey Walton. However, he has been a constant in the program since arriving in North Philadelphia in 2011. Since then, he has been a stalwart on the defensive line, making 20 starts in three seasons and earning three letters. His impact off the field and in the classroom makes him one of the true diamonds of the Owls' program. The man who finds himself consistently on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll and American Athletic Conference All-Academic team has reached lofty heights with his volunteering as well. The 2015 graduate earned a spot as a nominee for the 2015 Allstate AFCA Good Works team for his commitment to community service and academic success. He also garnered some attention for his consistent play, as Phil Steele Publications placed him on the preseason All-American Conference second team.
Walton returns to head coach Matt Rhule's team even after completing his bachelor's degree in advertising. He enters his redshirt senior season as a graduate student. His path to a Temple degree wasn't easy but serves as an example to others. After high school in Reading, he spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy, known for preparing young men for college, athletically and academically. Walton said the biggest adjustment to the academy was the removal of electronic communication that dominates modern society. He couldn't call, text, or email his friends or family. The only method he could use was sending and receiving letters. Walton says the experience humbled him and despite the isolation, he is grateful for the experience. "It's not necessarity a good place to be, but it's a good place to come from."
Walton entered Temple in the 2011 season and devoted himself to his studies. He cites the countless hours he spent in the team study hall as a catalyst to his future successes. Tutors showed him the value of time management and providing balance to efforts. "Study long, study wrong" was a precept he embraced. His consistent appearance on the American's All-Academic team and Athletic Director's Honor Roll show those hard-earned lessons have not been lost.
What sets Walton apart from many peers is his commitment to community service. His works with organizations like Walk A Mile in Her Shoes, focused towards stopping abuse against women, and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has earned him the nomination to the 2015 Allstate AFCA Good Works team. He cites the influence of family as the driver of his efforts. Hershey had an aunt fight breast cancer and was raised the middle son between two sisters. He sees his role as a high-profile athlete as the platform to give back to the community. "It's an honor to give back to the cause," he says.
In addition to his academic and altruistic successes, Walton enters his redshirt season having played in every game of his Temple career. The three-year letter-winner will provide leadership to an experienced and talented defense this season. His position sees him usually over the nose of the ball, staring down the center, and attracting blockers that open gaps for teammates like Matakevich, Martin-Oguike, DL Nate D. Smith and FS Alex Wells. Stats underlie his effort and impact on the field, although he did record a career-high 4.5 tackles for loss in 2014 and bat down two passes.
As he's developed as a player, he remains his toughest critic. "The hardest person I've ever played against is myself." He cites defensive coordinator Phil Snow as a source of motivation and driving force, reminding him "it's not what (the opponent) did to you, it's what you didn't do to him."
What does the future hold for Walton? He'll continue to pursue his master's degree during the season, something he couldn't imagine attaining when he first arrived on North Broad. His advertising degree from Temple will open doors for his career. Walton hopes to someday own a restaurant, given his love of cooking and family connections. As he enters the final year of his college career, his role as a leader on this team could be the most important one he plays at Temple. He serves as a mentor to younger guys who might be homesick or struggling with the transition to college and the FBS. Walton uses his own journey and leads by example for the underclassmen, knowing he's faced many similar challenges. Under Coach Rhule, he sees a lot of change and growth in the program.
"Greatness and success are right ahead" for the Owls, as he sees it. It would be a tremendous legacy if his influence could shape this program for the future and create more well-rounded student-athletes like Hershey Walton.
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