This 86-year-old has officiated 8,000+ games — and counting

Vic Walker is 86 years old. But you’d never know it. 

He still hustles down the sidelines at football and basketball games and crouches behind the plate at softball and baseball games. Just like he has for almost six decades. 

“I tell people I have sloping shoulders,” Walker said. “The insults just roll off me. I’ve heard almost everything that you can imagine.” 

Walker is one of Washington’s oldest and longest tenured sports officials. He estimates that he’s worked between 8,000 and 10,000 games in total. 

“He’s been out on the fields and the courts probably the most of anyone in the state,” said Todd Stordahl, executive director of the Washington Officials Association. “But the bottom line is he’s just a good dude.” 

Walker’s home city of Walla Walla recently applauded his long career by declaring April 25 as “Vic Walker Day.” The mayor also gave Walker a community service award. 

“ It’s just unreal,” Walker said of the honors. “It takes your breath away.” 

Andy Coleman, Walla Walla’s parks and recreation director, was one of the people who pushed for Walker to be recognized. Coleman thinks sports officials are unsung heroes. 

“It’s hard to find people to serve even one year,” he said. “To have somebody give so much of his life to allow people to participate in athletics is a huge accomplishment and contribution to our community.” 

Coleman’s known Walker for 30 years, since he was a high schooler in Pasco playing against Walla Walla’s teams. “Athletics teach young people so much about life,” Coleman said. “Without the officials, though, it doesn’t happen.”

Nationally and locally, there is a shortage of sports officials. One reason is the way they are treated: with disrespect, verbal abuse and occasional violence. 

“Don’t berate the officials,” Walker said. “They’re just out doing a job, trying to do the best they can. Sometimes we don’t have our best days.” 

Stordahl, of the Washington Officials Association, said his organization doesn’t have to cancel games often. But he said there is plenty of room for more officials. A larger pool would not only guarantee that games will occur; it could also lead to better officiating. 

“You can’t increase your quality until you increase your quantity,” Stordahl said. He hopes the state can attract more former athletes who love the games, and who would love the opportunity to earn a little extra and flexible money.

Because, without folks like Walker, there would be no high-school softball tournaments. No Friday night lights. And none of the memories that come with them. 

For Walker, officiating has always been a “hobby.” 

He began his career as a high schooler in Sunnyside, officiating summer league basketball. He then attended Whitman College, where he took a sports officiating course. 

After graduating, he remained in Walla Walla and began a 27-year career in the U.S. Postal Service. Several months after retiring, he became a tax preparer at H&R Block, where he still works today. 

“Find something that keeps you active, keeps your mind going, keeps your body going,” he said. “Otherwise, if you don’t have anything to do, you die.” 

Walker also helped to raise three children, two of whom went on to become sports officials themselves. One of his sons was a professional baseball umpire for three years. 

During his long career, Walker has worked everything from youth to Division 1 college athletics, with a focus on middle- and high-school contests, including in-state and national tournaments. 

Walker loves working with the kids, both those who enjoy the game — and those who excel at it. He’s officiated the likes of Peter Sirmon, Eric O’Flaherty and Drew Bledsoe, all of whom continued onto the pros. 

“It’s been a good run, a really good run,” Walker said. 

As for when he’ll retire? “Next question.”