Division III lost two longtime coaching icons in late October. June Walker, former softball coach and athletics administrator at The College of New Jersey, died October 27 at her home in Cuthbert, Georgia, after a short illness.

She would have celebrated her 68th birthday October 28.

Also, Jim Verdieck, head tennis coach at the University of Redlands from 1946 to 1984, died of a heart attack October 29.

Walker served as head softball coach at Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey, for 22 seasons, spanning from 1974 through 1995.

During that time, she guided the softball program to a 721-154 record, while coaching her players to numerous championship titles and honors. In addition to coaching, Walker also served as associate director of athletics.

The five-time Division III Coach of the Year led the Lions to an unprecedented 16 consecutive semifinal appearances in postseason play (two as an AIAW member and 14 times in the NCAA). During a 16-year stretch, Walker's teams won 696 of 770 games and captured five NCAA Division III titles (1983, 1987, 1989, 1992 and 1994). The Lions also finished second seven times.

Walker was inducted into the National Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1993, she was selected as head coach of the East softball squad at the Olympic Festival in San Antonio. In the fall of 1996, she was inducted into The College of New Jersey's Athletic Alumni Hall of Fame.

Walker produced 65 all-Americans and seven Division III Players of the Year. Thirteen of her players were recognized as Verizon Academic All-Americans, including the 1994 and 1995 Verizon Academic All-Americans of the Year.

Entering the 2001 season, her 721 career wins ranked 16th among all coaches in all NCAA divisions and first among Division III coaches. Her .824 career win percentage also ranks fifth among all coaches and first in Division III.

Verdieck, who built a record of 921-281 during his 38-year tenure, captured 34 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles.

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men's Hall of Fame inductee also earned 15 team national championships, including 11 NAIA and three NCAA Division III titles. Verdieck also was head football coach at the school from 1953 to 1958, compiling a mark of 36-21-2, including a 10-0 season in 1956.