Richmond Hill High School sophomore track athlete Shaquille Walker came close to having a perfect season for the 800 meter run competition. He went undefeated in Region 3-AAA competition, won the region title and came within a fraction of a second of winning the state title – settling instead for second.

Walker can now add one more accomplishment to the season as he was just been named Bryan County Co-Athlete of the Month, tying for the month of May with BCHS track star Tiffany Howard. Walker received his award June 10 at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s.

Walker didn’t just go undefeated in the 800 meter race for Region 3-AAA, but the number two finisher was an average of 10 seconds behind him. So Walker surprised no one when he went as high as second place at the state meet.

Walker also earned a state berth as part of the 4x400 relay team. Although the team did not advance to the finals at state, Walker individually ran a time of 49 seconds - the fastest time for anyone on the team all season.

"We thought he’d win it (800) this year, and it did come down to a photo finish," RHHS head track coach Jimmy Hires said. "Over the years that I’ve coached track, Shaquille is the best looking track athlete I’ve had. He’s got a great attitude, he’s an honor student and his work habits are unbelievable. If he stays healthy, he’s got a legitimate shot at the state title the next couple of years."

Hires credits assistant coach Levi Sybert, who himself competed in the 800 on the college level, as training Walker to help him get to the level he is now.

Walker said this year has been very enjoyable for him, but his freshman year was a different story.

"Last year I didn’t enjoy it at all," Walker said. "I just did it to stay in shape for football. I had no aspirations to go to state last year."