Justin Kyle Walker officially became Lee University's cross country coach Don Jayroe's first men's signee earlier this week. The Walker Valley High School senior ran for coach Jason Parks and the Mustang track and cross country teams.
"It is a big weight off my shoulders," said Walker, who looked at several other school before selecting Lee. "I know and like some of the runners on the Lee team and that helps," he added. "I also like coach Jayroe. He seems to know a great deal about cross country. I'll work as hard as I can and see what happens."
Coach Jayroe stressed his desire to keep the best homegrown talent in Cleveland. "If we can combine that with the runners we are able to bring in from other areas, we should be able to build a strong club."
Jayroe said he not only wants to compete with Southern States Athletic Conference members like Berry, but build a program that can defeat the best.
In track, Walker has run a 4:52 and also finished the 5K in 18:00 flat. He was the captain of the Walker Valley cross country and track teams for two years. "I hope to run a 27:30 in the 8K for Lee and win some individual competitions."
Justin is the son of Tanda and Melvin Walker of Charleston. | 