Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

Howard Walls competed for ERAU's track and field team from 2006-10 and graduated from the program as the most successful and decorated hurdler in Eagle history.
 
In his freshman campaign, Walls became the first ERAU Men's Track and Field student-athlete to earn All-America honors with his fifth-place finish in the 60m hurdles at the NAIA Indoor National Championships. He repeated as an All-American in that event in 2008 and 2009, setting the ERAU record of 8.08 in a third-place finish in his senior year.
 
Walls also achieved All-America status in the 110m hurdles after finishing fifth at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships in 2010. He set a school record in the 110m hurdles of 14.11 in 2008 and that mark still stands as an Embry-Riddle best.
 
Selected as team captain, Walls led the Blue and Gold to its first conference championship and led the Eagles to four conference titles overall in his career.
 
After exhausting his eligibility, Walls remained involved with the ERAU Track & Field program as a graduate assistant coach, working primarily with the hurdlers. He helped Breanna Goring, Alex Dori and Crystal Bardge hit national championship qualifying marks, and played a role in Bardge winning national titles in both the indoor 60m hurdles and the 100m outdoor hurdles.
 
Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Walls earned his undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Science in 2010 and completed his masters degree in Aviation in 2012. Tragically, Walls died in a motorcycle accident in March 2018. He was the Director of Quality, Compliance and Safety-Stations at Allegiant Airlines at the time of his passing.

"We all knew 'H-Dub' as a lovable, fun-loving, hard-working, dedicated friend and teammate. I could write a book about all that Howard has meant to me and to the program. He was one of the fathers of our program and the very first All-American in our track and field program's history.  He raised our program and everyone around him to a new level. We will certainly miss Howard and his smile.  I have never known anyone who had a negative thing to say about 'H-Dub'.  He will always be remembered in our program.
 
"Howard was not just a great athlete. He was a leader and a great student, but an even better person. Howard's impact on the program can still be felt today. His success early in his career changed the culture of the team. It set a precedent and the team subsequently believed that it was possible to be successful at the highest level. He became a father figure and role model on the team. Others wanted to be like him, so they emulated his work ethic, attention to detail, mental focus and competitive drive. These key core values have been passed on from each generation to generation of athletes to the next. It was Howard's influence that caused this. That is why I believe Howard is the cornerstone on which our program was build."
Mike Rosolino
Embry-Riddle Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach (2001-present)
 
"Howard was known to perfect his technique and strength on the track, staying after practice to train, watch videos of himself and other athletes, tireless working with coaches and teammates to shave that one tenth of a second. His preparation and focus on race day was unmatched by any track athlete at Embry-Riddle. He gained respect from his competitors because of his speed and championships. He gained respect from his teammates because he would always step up when others went down. Howard would volunteer for relays or events that were outside of the events he trained to help the team compete. It was tough but he would always compete with a smile on his face. With his championships and his effect on the character, development and future of the ERAU cross country and track and field teams, he is greatly deserving of Hall of Fame recognition.
Drew Moses
Embry-Riddle Track & Field (2005-08)
 
"In the classroom and on the track, Howard demonstrated the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership and put them into play at all times. Howard has set a great example for the students and athletes who come behind him."
Owenhegie Omoregie
Embry-Riddle Track & Field (2005-09)
 
"Howard was a true student, person and player. Not only was he a ferocious competitor during practice, he trained everyday like it was his last and took every practice to heart. Not only would he train hard; he would make sure that others trained hard as well. He always supported and respected every event in track and field like it was his own.
 
"As his friend, I can't describe the magnitude of how he treated others. Howard would open his home to those in need, giving advice on countless issues and always supporting anyone who needed it. Howard is by my definition a hero. He was someone you could always count on, lean on and go to. He took his studies very seriously. He was a superior student and showed that you could be a great athlete and student at the same time."
Reta Woodard
Embry-Riddle Women's Track & Field (2010-14)