On Monday, May 11th 2015 the Ashland High School Athletic Hall of Fame Old Timers Sub-committee unanimously decided to make Harold "Grump" Walker the single member of the 2015 Inaugural Class. Grump was officially inducted at halftime of the October 2nd football game vs. Medfield.
Harold B. "Grump" Walker (1901-1993)
Harold Walker was born in Andover, Massachusetts in 1901. An accomplished athlete and sports enthusiast, he attended and graduated from the University of Illinois on a baseball scholarship. After playing semi-pro baseball for a few years, Walker joined the faculty at Ashland High School in 1930 as a Science teacher. Utilizing his sports background, he quickly became coach for football, baseball, and basketball.
Grump’s first season began in 1930. His captain for that season was Hugo Giargiari. Grump quickly established a winning program, and by 1932 celebrated his first undefeated season under Captain T. Ferdenzi.
Grump went on to enjoy two more undefeated seasons. The next was in 1943 under Captain Bud Kokins, and again in 1952 under Captains Bill Hebden and Dave Phipps. Key players in the 1952 season were Scooch Giargiari and Bob Shaughnessy. Grump also coached the longest winning streak of 19 games from 1951 to 1953.
Walker amassed an amazing record of 146 wins and 62 losses during his career. Good enough to secure his place in history by his induction into the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1964 with a 67% winning record.
Grump’s dedication to his students is well documented. His teaching skills utilized the art of basic competition to help his students achieve more whether it involved science or sports. Sports, however, are probably his greatest achievement. Citing football, which he is most noteworthy,
Grump never forgot his students. Even after graduation, he personally helped finance students of limited means that were going on to college. His career spanned 34 years. He continued to mentor the youth of Ashland for many years even after retiring. In 1964, the football field at Ashland High was named Walker Field in his honor.
Grump died in the summer of 1993, but his name and legacy remains. If you follow the access road to the MBTA from West Union Street, and look over your shoulder at the former Ashland High School, the first thing you will see is the bright blue and white sign “Walker Field”.
Harold B. "Grump" Walker (1901-1993)
Harold Walker was born in Andover, Massachusetts in 1901. An accomplished athlete and sports enthusiast, he attended and graduated from the University of Illinois on a baseball scholarship. After playing semi-pro baseball for a few years, Walker joined the faculty at Ashland High School in 1930 as a Science teacher. Utilizing his sports background, he quickly became coach for football, baseball, and basketball.
Grump’s first season began in 1930. His captain for that season was Hugo Giargiari. Grump quickly established a winning program, and by 1932 celebrated his first undefeated season under Captain T. Ferdenzi.
Grump went on to enjoy two more undefeated seasons. The next was in 1943 under Captain Bud Kokins, and again in 1952 under Captains Bill Hebden and Dave Phipps. Key players in the 1952 season were Scooch Giargiari and Bob Shaughnessy. Grump also coached the longest winning streak of 19 games from 1951 to 1953.
Walker amassed an amazing record of 146 wins and 62 losses during his career. Good enough to secure his place in history by his induction into the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1964 with a 67% winning record.
Grump’s dedication to his students is well documented. His teaching skills utilized the art of basic competition to help his students achieve more whether it involved science or sports. Sports, however, are probably his greatest achievement. Citing football, which he is most noteworthy,
Grump never forgot his students. Even after graduation, he personally helped finance students of limited means that were going on to college. His career spanned 34 years. He continued to mentor the youth of Ashland for many years even after retiring. In 1964, the football field at Ashland High was named Walker Field in his honor.
Grump died in the summer of 1993, but his name and legacy remains. If you follow the access road to the MBTA from West Union Street, and look over your shoulder at the former Ashland High School, the first thing you will see is the bright blue and white sign “Walker Field”.