Lowry grads, Davey and Jamie Walton, continue in athletics in a different way

Lowry grads, Davey and Jamie Walton, continue in athletics in a different way

By Justin Albright Posted April 17, 2013

The colors green and gold might make you think of Battle Mountain or Manogue, but for two former Lowry athletes they mean only one thing; Ducks.

Jamie (2009) and Davey Walton (2007) serve as the managers for the University of Oregon baseball and the reigning Pac-12 tournament champion, and men’s NCAA Tournament basketball teams respectively. Both teams were ranked in the top 20 in the nation this year.

“I’m really excited for them, both of them come from a small town and they’ve enjoyed sports most of their lives. The reality here in Winnemucca is that we don’t have many D-1 athletes and both of these guys were able to go to a place where they got to see the D-1 experience,” said a proud father, Don Walton.

Jamie’s initial plans were to actually try out for the baseball team, but due to five ankle surgeries, the operations guy, Luke, requested Jamie to go see his boss, who gave Jamie the manager position. Jamie loves it and feels like he’s doing the next best thing.

“Being a manager has helped me shape what I want to pursue in my career, which is to work on the business side of baseball and/or player development,” said Jaime.

Davey on the other hand started talking to the head basketball coach, Dana Altman, at the Century Club where the two brothers worked in the summer. Coach Altman told Davey to stop by the next day, and out of 30 applicants, Altman selected Davey to be the team manager.

Both brothers get the hook-ups that all of the regular college athletes get, such as; shoes, shirts, and polos. The brothers don’t have to return any of the gear and they also get the perks athletes get. The brothers are able to get free tutors and are able to use the academic center on campus. Jamie is also on a partial scholarship, and Davey has a full-ride scholarship for this year.

On a daily basis, the brothers get to interact with the coaches to find out the daily plan, so they can set everything up. They have to get there earlier than the athletes, just so they can hand out the laundry from the day before, and break down all of the practice plans.

“I’m busy all year round, and during the season I usually work a 40-60 hour week with games and getting everything ready for the athletes,” said Jamie.

The brothers agreed that the highlights of managing would be the perks, and all the people you get to interact with. The brothers are all included as staff and players have a lot of respect for the brothers since they usually have to do all the grunt work.

It just goes to show, that even when you may graduate high school, your sporting career can still continue, in more ways than one.

Davey Walton (Left) is hugged by an Oregon basketball player as the team managers are recognized before a game. /Courtesy • Jamie Walton
Davey Walton (Left) is hugged by an Oregon basketball player as the team managers are recognized before a game. /Courtesy • Jamie Walton