Making the grade and making the play
Meet six engineering students balancing academics
and athletics
If you've ever participated in the sea of orange that engulfs Neyland
Stadium or -Thompson-Boling Arena, boldly belted a bar of "Rocky
Top" or contorted your body to form the letters V-O-L-S, you probably
joined thousands of other UT fans on Jan. 4 who rejoiced in the
Volunteers' national football  championship
victory. You may not have realized, however, that engineering students
contributed to defeating the Florida State Seminoles in addition
to the many other victories and athletic achievements accomplished
throughout the school year.
This article will introduce you to just a few of the champions
combining the rigors of engineering course work with athletic practice
and achievement.
Darwin
Walker
CIVIL ENGINEERING
A fourth quarter sack of Florida State's quarterback in the national
football championship game is seared in the minds of many Vols fans,
but it's likely that no one remembers that crucial moment better
than defensive tackle Darwin Walker.
"I was honored to hear Florida State's coach mention my play as
a major turning point against the Seminoles," Walker said. "I'll
always relive that play in my mind."
Walker began his college football experience at North Carolina
State where his brother was playing. He transferred to Tennessee
following his freshman year.
"After high school, I knew I needed to be at a university contending
for a national championship," Walker said. "UT is where I should
have been from the start. Now my favorite part of the game is running
through the 'T' on game day and hearing 100,000 fans cheering us
on."
In addition to championship dreams with the Vols, Walker was also
drawn to UT's civil engineering program.
"I grew up around building projects because my parents own a construction
business," said Walker, a native of Walterboro, S.C. "Someday I'd
like to use my civil engineering knowledge to help escalate my family's
business to another level."
Although engineering studies and football practice have left little
time for other endeavors, Walker has managed to squeeze in earning
All-America honors in track and field for the shot put. Proving
he is a strong competitor on and off the field, Walker holds UT's
record for bench press weight lifting–535 pounds.
Following the Vols' success in the championship game, there was
some concern that Walker would choose to advance to the professional
level. To the relief of many hopeful fans, Walker declined this
opportunity.
"The main thing that affected my decision was that I want to leave
Tennessee with my degree in hand," Walker announced in early January.
"I also want to come back and play with my teammates again."
Assuming Walker stays healthy and maintains the momentum he developed
this year, his goal is to be among the top 10 picks in the 2000
NFL draft.
"As exciting as this season and winning the championship have
been, I don't think those accomplishments will outshine walking
across the stage next year to receive my civil engineering degree,"
Walker said. "Besides, there are still a lot more football games
for us to win next year."
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