ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - Ricky Walker is Recognized for Academic and Athletic Excellence; Selected to Play in Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
The United States Marine Corps is recognizing exemplary student athletes across the country through the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. Now in its third year, the game will feature 90 student athletes selected from across the country based on their athletic prowess, academic success and embodiment of the Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment.
Walker, defensive tackle from Bethel High School, Hampton, Va., is among those selected to participate in the nationally televised Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. The game will broadcast on January 5, 2014, live on Fox Sports 1 at 6 p.m. PST from the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Walker will fulfill a childhood dream that he’s had since he started playing football when he was seven, when he goes off to play at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University next year. Walker is undecided on what he will study.
“The level of competition out here is intense,” Walker said. “What better way to get ready for college ball than practice and compete against amazing athletes ... and to hear the experiences from these Marines; it’s an honor to have this opportunity.”
The student athletes selected for the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl exhibit a drive similar to Walker in that they have more than outstanding athletic ability – they also exemplify youth leadership and are committed to building life skills both on and off the field.
The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl is the culmination of the Marine Corps’ Semper Fidelis Football Program, which also includes an All-American Selection Tour. Through the program, the Marine Corps purposefully engages with well-rounded student athletes to share leadership lessons that will enable future success.