It pays to stick it out

In addition to being a key part of the Cal Lutheran starting lineup, Xavier Walton is also the news editor of the student newspaper and the student radio station. Photo by Josh Martin, Brooks Institute

There was a time when Xavier Walton didn't think he would last four days at Cal Lutheran, yet alone four years.

CLU men's basketball coach Rich Rider challenged Walton many times during his freshman season. Although Rider had Walton's best interest at heart, it didn't make it any easier for Walton to take.

"Coach Rider and me really butted heads. He came after me a lot coming out of high school, and I was not necessarily used to that," Walton said. "He made me work harder than ever before and pushed me harder than ever before. But it definitely made me stronger."

Walton has reaped the rewards of his growth at CLU on and off the court.

The 6-foot senior guard has started 14 games he has played in for the Kingsmen (6-9, 2-3) this season.

He is averaging 8.4 points, 3.0 assists and 31.6 minutes in Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.

Walton scored 10 points and matched his career-high with seven assists this past Saturday in a win over Occidental.

Although it has not been a fairy-tale final season so far in terms of the team's record, Walton's spirits remain high.

"We've definitely had our ups and downs - more downs this year," he said. "We are a young, young team. But we have not lost hope yet. Our coaches have a lot of optimism in us and believe we can turn it around."

Walton attended Capital Christian High School in Sacramento. He didn't even know Cal Lutheran existed until CLU assistant Geoff Dains started recruiting him after spotting him in a tournament at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

"I came down on a visit, and it was a great location and a great school, and I like the small-school feel." Walton said. "I come from a small-school background. I talked to Coach Rider, and he said I would have an opportunity to play as a freshman, and that pretty much sold me along with everything else here."

Walton has fully engaged himself in the entire CLU experience. He is the news editor of the school newspaper, the news director for the iCLU student radio station and also referees intramural sports.

Walton, a communications major, wants to become a television news reporter. He served an internship at a TV station in Ohio two years ago and found his calling.

"Going out with the reporter and covering all the different stories and interacting with people was just really fun for me," Walton said. "I really enjoyed it, and hopefully I can get to a smaller market somewhere to start after I graduate and get on TV live."

As his basketball career gradually nears its end, Walton is trying to appreciate every moment at CLU -- even getting yelled at during practice.

"I have grown to love it. At first, I was not so sure about everything going on. But after staying here four years, I have no regrets," he said. "It's definitely been a great learning experience. That is for sure."

This story is courtesy of Rhiannon Potkey from the Ventura County Star.