Northeastern University Athletics

Walter Lyons was elected to the Hall of Fame for his achievements in the sport of football, and his contributions to the Northeastern athletic program, both on and off the field.

One of the most popular figures in the history of Northeastern athletics, Lyons has been the only two-term Varsity Club President, during whose tenure major renovations to athletic facilities have come to fruition. Varsity Club ranks have swollen under Lyon's administration, which ran from 1979-80 and 1989-90. During Walter's 1989-90 office he founded the Stadium Committee which resulted in the current facelift of Parsons Field. A new football playing surface, lockerroom facilities for football, soccer, baseball, and field hockey teams and press box have added to the prestige of Northeastern athletics. In 1984, the University recognized his efforts with the prestigious W. Erwin Story Citation for outstanding alumni volunteerism. He remains a ubiquitous presence at all Northeastern sporting events.

After graduating high school at Cambridge Latin in 1944, Lyons went on an 11 month tour in China with the Marine Corps. Finally in 1947, he enrolled at Northeastern and started in his first varsity game at linebacker. He played two varsity seasons at linebacker and fullback before reenlisting in the Corps as the war in Korea escalated in October 1950.