2025 St. Rita Hall of Fame Inductee: Eric Walker ‘15

We are honored to induct Eric Walker ‘15 into the St. Rita Hall of Fame at our 88th Annual Alumni Banquet & Hall of Fame Dinner. 

We remember Eric Walker as an amazing young man, whose talent and leadership left a lasting legacy on and off the field. He was a two-year varsity starter in football and was a vital part of Coach Kuska’s leadership group, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches alike. Eric was also an exceptional track athlete, competing in multiple events and leaving his mark in St. Rita’s record books. He was a key member of the 4x2 and 4x1 relay teams, with the 4x2 squad achieving a top-ten ranking in the state. 

Eric holds two all-time St. Rita indoor track records: the 55-meter hurdles and the 60-meter hurdles, both set in 2015. That same year, he placed eighth in the 110-meter hurdles at the IHSA Track & Field Championship. His dedication and performance earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Minnesota, making him the only St. Rita track athlete in the modern era to receive a scholarship to a Power Four school.

At the University of Minnesota, Eric continued to shine. During the 2017–18 indoor season, he ran the third-fastest 60-meter hurdles time in school history at 7.99 seconds. In the 2018–19 season, he claimed victory in the 60-meter hurdles at the Jack Johnson Classic and later recorded Minnesota's fastest time of the season in the 60-meter hurdles at the Big Ten Indoor Championship. During the outdoor season, he won the 110-meter hurdles at the Minnesota Men's Twilight, and set personal records in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 110-meter hurdles during the season. His achievements extended into the classroom as well, earning recognition as an Academic All-Big Ten athlete. 

Eric was a faithful believer in God, and it showed through his actions, his love, and the way he lived his life. He honored his parents and grandparents with unwavering respect. As a proud and loving older brother to Xavier and Chris, he cherished family deeply and was always present for life’s special moments. Eric was a Legacy Member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. 

After graduating from Minnesota, he went on to build a meaningful career in sales at the UnitedHealthcare corporate office, where he was respected for his dedication and professionalism.

Eric passed away at the young age of 25 in September 2022. To honor his life and legacy, the Walker Family established the Eric Isaiah Walker Scholarship Foundation, providing much needed tuition assistance for St. Rita families. They held their 2nd Annual Be A “Walker” For A Day: 5K Fundraiser on the St. Rita track earlier in April. 

He found joy in celebrating life with friends and loved ones, and his presence brought energy and warmth to every room. A role model and a trendsetter, Eric was admired by many for his ambition, intelligence, and his creative, strategic mind. He set goals fearlessly and pursued them with relentless drive. His handwritten letters were a reflection of his thoughtfulness.

Eric lived life fully and loved his city of Chicago with immense pride. He was always willing to lend a hand to help family, friends, and coworkers. He was a man of integrity, his word was his bond. Eric was the true definition of a Ritaman. 

Join us in celebrating Eric, along with our renowned Hall of Fame inductees and anniversary classes, at our 88th Annual Alumni Banquet & Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday, May 2! Purchase your tickets before Monday, April 28 here!

Check out what new defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III had to say about Eric during his introductory press conference with the Arizona Cardinals.