Plymouth Whitemarsh High School senior Regent Walden has signed a letter of intent to run track for St. Joseph’s University. Walden was a four-year varsity runner for the Plymouth Whitemarsh cross country, indoor track, and spring track teams.

During the 2021 spring season, Walden won the 800-meter Suburban One League Liberty Division title and headed into spring 2022 season ranked fifth in the state. During the his senior season of indoor track, Walden broke the school record by more than three seconds in the 400-meter race with a 51:21 and was part of the 4×200 relay team which crushed the school record of 1:39:48 with a time of 1:34:14.

“I really like the social piece of track because, having autism, it’s always been hard to find my ‘group’ in school. I’ve been able to make a lot of good friends over the last four years and have fun with them on and off the track,” said Walden. “Track has also shown me how to be a leader and that I can be successful at something just like my peers, which made me feel very proud — and seen. I also like that track is an individual sport, so I don’t have to depend on anyone else to be successful.”

As a freshman, Walden received the Most Improved Award in cross country, the Coach’s Award as a sophomore, and the Outstanding Achievement Award his final two seaons. He’s also earned an Outstanding Achievement Award in varsity track. His running career began with the Conshohocken Electric Force travel team when he was nine years old.

Outside of sports, Walden is a member of the concert band and is on the academic honor roll. He plans to major in Autism Behavioral Studies at St. Joe’s.

Photo: Colonial School District