Harlon Hill regional finalist
1st Team All-American, 1997
1st Team Academic All-American, 1997
NSIC Offensive MVP, 1997
NSIC All-Academic, 1997, 1996, 1995
1st Team All-NSIC, 1997
NSIC Honorable Mention, 1996, 1995
NSIC Champions 1994, 1997 (Player), 1998, 2000, 2001 (Coach)
Division II Playoffs, 2001 (Coach)
Mineral Water Bowl, 2000, 2002 (Coach)
School record 30 TDs in 1997
1,103 rushing yards 1997, 4th in school history
Travis Walch was a key cog in the teams that brought Winona State football to new heights in the 1990s. As both a player and coach, Walch helped lead the Warriors to five conference titles and three postseason births.
As a player, Walch made his mark during the 1997 season. The running back from Elgin, Minn., broke out as a senior, rushing for 1,103 yards during the 1997 campaign. That total is fourth on the WSU single-season charts, and the 30 touchdowns he scored that season are a school record. Winona State went 9-2 that season, the first team in school history to earn that many wins in a season.
For his efforts, Walch earned 1st team All-American status, as well as being named NSIC Offensive Player of the Year. He was also a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy. He was a standout in the classroom as well, gaining Academic All-Conference honors in 1995, 1996, and 1997.
After graduation Walch stayed in Winona as a member of Tom Sawyers coaching staff. As a WSU coach, Walch helped continue the tradition of success the Warriors were building. Winona State won nine games in 1998 and another nine in 2000, reaching the postseason for the first time in school history.
Even after leaving Winona State, Walch has continued his success as a coach. He spent three seasons at Carleton College and two at Macalester College. He currently is an assistant coach at powerhouse St. Thomas in St. Paul.
