Kicking and singing

Kennedy boys' soccer coach Steve Robertson realizes he might not speak for other coaches, but he likes the idea that a lot of his players are involved in multiple activities while also excelling in school.

Yes, it does take time away from practice occasionally and can be a distraction, but he knows the well-rounded student-athlete is better able to digest and process the infinite variety of situations that arise in the course of a match.

'With soccer there's almost never a time where the same thing happens twice,” he said. 'There are so many variables, so it takes a real understanding to try to grasp what we're trying to do.”

Kennedy junior Ryan Walker is the epitome of that multi-dimensional student. Walker is a lightning-quick midfielder who has started since he was a freshman. He is in accelerated math programs, and he has also earned his way into Kennedy's award-winning show choir and concert choir.

Walker isn't just involved in multiple activities, he excels in them. Robertson credits the ethos of the school along with expectations established by Walker's parents. At every turn, Walker pushes himself outside his comfort zone. Handling those challenges creates the confidence to overcome obstacles in other realms, like those in a soccer match.

The personable Walker was initially reluctant to try out for choir but did so at the urging of teammate Jacob Sarasin. It seemed like an odd choice in one way.

'Getting him to practice his band instrument was like pulling teeth,” said his father, Mike Walker. 'He didn't really show a music inclination; he didn't have a passion for the instrument.”

But somehow this was different.

'He's a very competitive kid,” Kennedy choral music director Storm Ziegler said. 'Show choir has that competitive aspect to it. And I think (he was drawn to) the feeling of family that we develop because we probably work longer together than any other activity at the school throughout the course of the year. Plus he's a pretty talented performer.

'We call him a north-south kid. He's in both ends of the building: fine arts at one end and sports at the other.”

Ziegler said choir requires the exercise of both sides of the brain.

'Then you add to it the whole athletic part of the choreography. It's just a tremendous challenge, and it really helps kids focus on multi-tasking and investigating that creative side of themselves,” he said.

Walker said the music has stretched him socially along with expanding his cultural horizons. He explores different styles of music, and his father says it's not unusual to hear him singing at home.

'I like the diversity it brings to my life,” Walker said. 'If I had just stuck to athletics I never would have had the chance to meet the people I've met in show choir.”

All of this reflects his soccer persona. Walker is only about 5-foot-6, 140 pounds soaking wet, so he's developed a multitude of skills to compete with bigger, stronger players. He has great ball skills, can turn on a dime and accelerate instantly.

Robertson moved him from forward to the midfield, so he could better exploit his skills even though a year ago he scored critical goals for the team at the end of the season. This way he can face the goal, turn this way and that, pass the ball, steal the ball and drive defenders nuts.

'He has speed but really a lot of his speed is very explosive,” Robertson said. 'He's been a starter since day one because of the things he can do with the ball.”

The only statistic Walker has ever kept after soccer games (turnovers) has nothing to do with goals or assists and everything to do with performing his role on the team.

Ziegler saw the same thing with music. A back injury kept Walker idled for three months of show choir and club soccer. But he went to every show choir practice and immediately upon his release by doctors he was able to step in and perform.

So he combines the technical skills and the focus on team with an understanding of the game strategically and spatially and his place in it.

His father used to play with Ryan in the yard, dribble the ball and keep possession but admits those days are over.

'I couldn't do it now. He'd be maddening to play against,” he said.

As a child Walker tried every sport, even hockey. But he seemed a natural on a soccer pitch.

'Part of it is actually not even about playing the game,” he said. 'It's more like a passion for the game in general. It's the world's sport. I've gotten more into the game around the world and that world thing about soccer is my passion. I love following the game in the real world and playing it.

'It's an all-around great package.”

He would know.