About a hundred miles to the west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin- the location of Marquette University- lies a battlefield that few people outside the local area know that much about. The Battle of Wisconsin Heights was the hallmark battle of the short lived Black Hawk War. That war came to its conclusion 12 days after this battle. In the summer of 1832, the bands of Native Americans that were traveling under the leadership of Black Hawk were starving, exhausted, and sickened while they were being pursued by mounted American militia. Realizing that the pursuit of the militia put their women and children in grave danger, Black Hawk and his warriors determined that it was necessary to make a stand in order to give their people time to escape across the Wisconsin River. Although they were badly outnumbered, outgunned, and eventually were compelled to fight from the low ground in the ravines- the warriors held out long enough to permit an escape for the fleeing tribes.
As Black Hawk’s warriors made their retreat they understood they had been defeated on that day. But they must have also felt an intense pride. When they decided to take action against the militia, they knew they had to be brave. Bravery was necessary because sacrifice was inevitable. They accepted that costly sacrifice because it was for a noble purpose- the protection of their loved ones.
The title of John Willkom’s book, Walk-On Warrior alludes to the type of spirit witnessed at the Battle of Wisconsin Heights. Willkom played Division I basketball as a walk-on for Marquette University- whose mascot used to be the “Warriors.” You can learn more about that history HERE. By the time Willkom stepped foot onto the gym floor at Marquette, though, they had become The Golden Eagles. But that didn’t take anything away from the warrior like effort and experiences of Willkom to earn his way onto the team. And Walk-On Warrior is an insightful contribution to helping fans of the game to understand what life is really like for a Division I, walk-on college basketball player.
What it is not.
Although Willcom does discuss some basketball technique, Walk-On Warrior is not an instructional book. Coaches won’t get set plays here, but high school coaches will find a very useful teaching tool to pass along to young players who have high hopes of “going D-1” but may not necessarily have the work ethic that is required just yet.
Walk-On Warrior is not a fiction. It’s a true story that includes important people in Willcom’s life you will be introduced to for the first time, as well as some other famous names you may already be familiar with.
What it is.
Fans of the game are naturally drawn to the stars. We stand in awe of the amazing abilities of our favorite players. We know their names. We know their stats. We know know their pre game routines and their quirky superstitions. And those players seem so ‘present’ to us as they play under the bright lights on the wide open stage of the basketball court. They are so visible- absent face masks, helmets, or the distance of a field.
But some of the most hardworking players are the one’s that we don’t see regularly on that stage. Some of the players who sacrifice the most are invisible- to most of us fans, at least. But their presence is known and felt among their team mates. Those players who sit at the far ends of the bench. The ones who are usually suited up in their w
arm ups, and seem to be cheering on their team with more passion than anyone in the building.
The stars of Division I college basketball usually receive full ride scholarships to their respective university. But the broad majority of collegiate athletes do not receive such scholarships. Even on the big Division I teams, there are players who are not on full ride sports scholarships. Some of these players squeaked onto their teams as “walk-ons.” A “walk-on” player is someone who essentially tries out for the team. If a walk-on makes the team they will be lucky to ever step foot on the floor during a real game. But this doesn’t mean they are not important to the team. Walk-on’s play for practice. And Division I college basketball practices are pressure packed and intensely focused on preparation for the next team that will be faced in competition. Walk-on players take great pride in pushing their team mates during practice to be the best they can be.
In Walk-On Warrior, John Willcom takes us on his journey to becoming a walk-on player at Marquette University. His detailed recollection of impressionable moments from his youth makes this book very relatable to young people. It is obvious that Willcom holds the mentors of his early years as instrumental to his development as a basketball player and as a human being. Mentorship is a key theme through out Walk-On Warrior.
You will be introduced to a number of coaches John played for during his youth. You will also be introduced to players that he played along side with and that he looked up to and admired. His story about a “big brother” player who took him under his wing at the YMCA gym in his home town might make you reflect on similar people in your own life, and could actually bring a tear to your eye.
What I found most fascinating about Walk-On Warrior was John’s experience of trying out for and making the team at Marquette. Then, maintaining his position on the team. He has a right to call himself a “warrior”. John’s experience as a walk on D-I player is a great demonstration in personal sacrifice for the team. The training and practice that must be balanced with an academic schedule is a true grind. It was very insightful to me as a reader to be able to learn of his experiences- and to also think of the thousands of other “Walk-On Warriors,” around the country who have put in the same personal investment.
One of the sober realities of the game of basketball is that there are only five people from your team playing on the court at one time. In a lot of ways, things are much easier when you are a player who plays in games regularly. It takes a great deal of personal character to go into a game knowing you will never step foot on the floor during regulation. But John made the sacrifice in order to take part in a storied program at Marquette.
This book would be a great recommendation to young players who are thinking about continuing their basketball careers beyond the high school level. Walk-On Warrior can be a useful tool to communicate that dedication to the game can result in building relationships and values that are much more important than one’s individual stats.
I know that for me, personally, this one is going to find a space on the shelf in my son’s room pretty soon.
Overtime
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