Walker Remembered and Search Begins

Approximately 900 gathered to say good-bye to Randy Walker, the Northwestern coach who died June 29, apparently of a heart attack, at 52. With the start of the season fast approaching, the university must find a replacement. Because of the circumstances, athletic director Mark Murphy is likely to hire from within, and linebackers coach Pat Fitzgerald, a former Wildcat player, is at the top of the list. Fitzgerald, 31, appears to have plenty of support in the Northwestern community, and his passion and intensity work in his favor (some registration). Update: Fitzgerald has been named coach, according to several reports.