Eric Walz left no stone unturned in his quest to complete a brilliant career as the top all-time male distance runner in Dulaney High history.
His preparation and dedication to the sport were second to none, which is why the North Carolina State University commit was able to achieve his goals — and then some.
After all, the Towson Times Athlete of the Year won both the Elite Division of the Bull Run Invitational and the county cross county crowns last fall for the second time before becoming the only male Lion runner to ever capture a state cross country individual championship — a title that eluded past Dulaney greats such as Brian Russo, Billy Duffy and legendary Olympian Bob Wheeler, all of whom finished second.
Moreover, the victory in that race was a major reason why the Lions were able to unseat four-time defending champion Severna Park to claim the Class 4A state team title and No. 1 ranking in the Baltimore Sun poll.
"Winning the state championship was huge," Walz said. "It was a dream come true for guys who had been grinding it out for four years."
With such a big fall campaign in progress, Walz was on-point early last October in a question-and-answer for the Towson Times when asked about what legacy he hoped to leave at the Timonium school.
"We have a record board and I just want to put my name up there," Walz said. "I want to be a guy people remember, but not just being known as someone who won races. I want to be known as someone who motivated people, who is dedicated and is an all-around good athlete."