In a preview to Saturday's football showdown between the Elon Phoenix and the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons, a feature article in Winston-Salem's regional daily newspaper explores a deep connection shared by both schools' programs - legendary coach D.C. “Peahead” Walker.
Walker coached at what was then Elon College from September 1927 through the end of the 1936 season when he accepted the Wake Forest position.
From the story:
“When Walker arrived, Elon’s athletic fate was far from certain. The tiny school aspired to do great things on field and court, but it wasn’t at all clear that it could pull it off, especially not in the throes of the Great Depression, which hit soon after Walker arrived. …
“Backed by President L.E. Smith, who saw athletics as a way to produce some much-needed positive publicity for the school, Walker overcame hurdle after hurdle. In 10 seasons of coaching three sports (football, basketball and baseball), Walker’s teams piled up the titles. Walker’s men were especially dominant in the North State League, which was founded in 1931 (Elon, plus Guilford, High Point, Catawba, Lenior-Rhyne and Atlantic Christian). They won 12 of 18 possible titles and weren’t awarded yet another gridiron title in 1935 due to lingering controversy over player eligibility.
“By Walker’s final season, Elon’s football team was able to compete above its class. It nearly upended N.C. State in the fall of 1936, then beat the Wolfpack in a scrimmage the following Spring.”
D.C. “Peahead” Walker is the uncle of Elon alumnus and trustee Zac Walker. Zac Walker and his wife Dot of Raleigh, N.C., made a $500,000 gift to name a large hospitality room overlooking the stadium and athletics complex.
To read the full feature story, click on the link to the right of this page.