Sept. 12, 2007

Name: Casey Walsh

Position: Linebacker

Year: Junior

Major(s): Finance and Marketing

Personal: Berlin, MD/Stephen Decatur High School

Typically, Explorer linebacker Casey Walsh is taking care of business on defense. The junior from just outside of Ocean City, MD is in the thick of his third season starting at outside linebacker for La Salle, and he is loving every minute of it. Contrary to popular belief, Casey is the first person to give credit to everyone but himself when it comes to La Salle football and everything that come with the territory.

"The coaches, players, and everyone involved with La Salle football have a great attitude. Everyone is willing to work. The camaraderie is very strong. It's what brings athletes here, and keeps them here. I'm a good example of that," said Walsh.

The junior couldn't be anymore on-point with that statement, according to head football coach Tim Miller.

"The kid's (Walsh) an extremely hard worker" said Miller, "and he doesn't just work hard at football, he works hard in all aspects that it takes to be a successful student-athlete: practice, strength and conditioning, academics, everything on and off the field. He has a great mentality, which is what we're always looking for here at La Salle."

Despite a lackluster start to the season for Walsh and the rest of the Explorers, the heads-up linebacker has nothing but an optimistic point of view for himself and the entire program as they delve into the heart of football season.

"We've only played two games so far, and they were both against very good football teams. Our offense is improving day-by-day, and our defense really has enough talent to hold opponents to under 10 points every game. We really just need to go out there and play to our potential every game, and if we do, I really believe we can put together some quality wins for this program," stated Walsh.

Walsh came crashing onto the La Salle football scene two years ago after starring for Bob Knox at Stephen Decatur High School in Ocean City, MD. His senior year, he was a First Team All-State selection at linebacker after helping lead the Seahawks to the third-round of the state playoffs along with current Explorer kicker Anthony Perlozzo, and current Auburn University running back Ben Tate. He admits that as far as he can see, the La Salle defense will be in good hands for seasons to come.

"(Fellow linebacker) Stephant'e (Kent) is in his second year as a starter, and he and I are really getting comfortable playing together. Brian McKenna is a good speed-rusher who is fitting in with us really well, as is Jake Cornely who is a quick learner and a very smart player" commented Walsh.

A junior on the field and in the classroom, Walsh hopes to make just as much of a positive impact on the Explorer football program as he does as a student in the classroom. Even with the challenges the blue and gold are certain to face between the lines, it seems as though the glass is always half full in Casey Walsh's mind.