The following article was taken from the West Covina High School Newsbytes Newspaper that was published on March 11th,2011. (With permission, of course)
Seattle Seahawk’s Walter Thurmond Speaks to AVID Classes
By Brianne Marquez,Samara Pearson, & Alejandra Garcia
Seattle Seahawks player Walter Thurmond III who is not only a graduate from West Covina High School, is an NFL player for the Seattle Seahawks. Thurmond took time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to the AVID students, speaking about things such as his life when living in West Covina and the many things he participated in to push him closer to his success at the University of Oregon and now in the NFL.
Walter Thurmond Speaks to Bulldog Students
He opened up by talking about his background, and how he lived in West Covina and graduated from Edgewood Middle School, and West Covina High School.
“I feel old” jokes Thurmond when he talked about how it felt to be back on campus, “no, but it really feels good and fun to see some old and new faces”.
Then Thurmond talked about his favorite spirit days, he remembers how he had a lot of school spirit, and even the tree he used to hang out at when he came here. One thing Thurmond emphasized was the importance of college, and how it helped him mature in life. He encourages all students, not only the one involved in AVID, to “never be satisfied, and always push hard”.
One thing Thurmond is proud of is not making many mistakes in high school. “When I think about it, I wouldn’t go back and change anything,” states Thurmond, “I did it right the first time around”.
As he proceeded to talk about his college life, Thurmond expresses again how college made him more independent and helped create self-discipline. He stressed that “things are not always going to be handed to you in life, and you have to work hard at everything you do.” Another thing Thurmond felt strongly about was the fact that sports helped shape him in becoming the man he is today. he recalled the sports he was involved in, and repeatedly stated how it helped him mature and discipline himself.
Thurmond then talked about his sports life and activities he was involved in .”I played football, basketball, ran track, and was unofficially involved in ASB,” stated Thurmond, as he laughed. He remembers the first play during the CIF Finals game vs South Hills, and his teammates that were beside him.
“I think it’s great to bring another championship six years later,” states Thurmond as he commented on the Varsity Football Team’s CIF Championship this past season. “the advice I have for students now, is go after your dreams, work hard and stay positive,” Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t”.
His former football coach, Mike Maggiore stated, “It feels good and rewarding personally and as a coach {seeing him successful}, especially knowing what type of person he is. Even if he wasn’t pro, I would still be proud of him because he treats people right and is a good person all around.”
Webmaster’s Notes; Walter Thurmond III attended Oregon University before being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League.