Star Profile: Walter Pegues
Every year Central High School students and alumni come together to cheer on thE Lancers in the Thanksgiving Day game against Northeast. And every year out of the last 8, they have ben disappointed. That all changed when Walter Pegues, one of Central’s star athletes, got on the field and scored the winning touchdown. The whole team did great, but ask anyone and, as his teammate Brian Mosely says, “it wouldn’t have happened without Walt.” The rest of the senior class seems to agree, judging by their chanting “Walt! Walt! Walt!” at the assembly following game day. When the cheers and high-fives end, though, one might wonder what exactly makes Walt so special.
Growing up in Mt. Airy, Walt has played more sports than most could manage. He started off with baseball and slowly started getting into football, basketball and track. Once high school came around, he then focused mainly on football and track, excelling in both. “I’ve always wanted to play football. I love the adrenaline rush, and I love the team competition” Walt says. He is somewhat less passionate about track, which he does to stay in shape, and because he is good at it.
Walter made the all-city team with an honorable mention for football, and, even though it is not his favorite sport, Walter still managed to make top ten in the state for track. As Captain of the football team, Walt has a lot or pressure on him. “I feel like it’s all eyes on me out there. Like, if the team doesn’t do well, I get the blame,” he explained. He claimed that the pressure this year has been the worst so far because he knows colleges are watching him play, which makes him “really nervous because you start thinking ‘my future education depends on this game.’ It’s pretty nerve-wracking.” Being captain has it’s advantages, though, including the joy Walter gets from knowing his team depends on him. He described the relationship of the team as a brotherhood, and added that he is glad he can be the one that the others look to for advice.
Walter’s talent extends beyond his athletic abilities. Playing sports year round, he still manages to maintain a 3.8 GPA. Whether on, or off the field, Walt gets the job done. He is not sure where he will go to college yet, but is considering Fordham University, as well as multiple Division I schools that are looking at him. Walter is excited to figure it out, but he knows he will miss Central, especially considering the amazing year he had. “I’m not sure what the future holds for me,” Walter says, “but hopefully it won’t be too different from what I’m doing now”.