Aug. 3, 2010
EVANSTON, Ill. -- On Saturday, July 31, more than 250 purple-clad Northwestern fans took to the streets of Evanston and Wilmette for the third-annual Walk For Randy 5K walk in memory of former Wildcat head football coach Randy Walker. Images from the day's festivities, which featured a slew of notable participants from the NU community, are available in an online photo gallery.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms passed through the Chicagoland area at daybreak on Saturday, but sunny skies prevailed in time for fans to gather at the corner of Walker Way and Wildcat Alley as scheduled.
Tammy Walker served as Grand Marshal of the event, which prior to this year had been held in conjunction with NU's spring football scrimmage. Walker was accompanied by her son Jamie, daughter Abbey, son-in-law Brian and her two grandchildren.
"This is a great event that we have every year now and I want to thank the Northwestern athletic department for their support in organizing a fun morning," Walker told the crowd before leading them on a walk through the same streets where her late husband could often be spotted walking their dog, Magic. "It's a great way for us to get together and sort of kick off the football seasons which is right around the corner already."
Northwestern director of athletics and recreation Jim Phillips was on hand Saturday to walk with his wife, Laura, and their five children. Representing the football program at the Walk were head coach Pat Fitzgerald, wide receivers coach Kevin Johns and offensive line coach Adam Cushing, along with their families.
"What a tremendous morning for everyone to be here outside Ryan Field together as a way of remembering someone who still motivates and inspires our football program on a daily basis," Fitzgerald said. "Coach Walk left a lasting impression on me as a coach and a person so I'm excited to be here to join Tammy and her family, who remain a huge part of our Northwestern football family."
All fans who participated in the 2010 Walk For Randy received a T-shirt and tickets to Northwestern's game against Purdue on Oct. 9 as part of their registration.
Fitzgerald and the Wildcats begin fall training camp on Monday, Aug. 9.
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