"It's just longevity, that's all," is what David Walker, Headmaster and J.V. girls' basketball coach at Greenville Academy said.

But no matter what he wants to call it, the girls on his team and their parents thought that it was a big enough deal that they got him a special ball to mark his 500th victory with.

"I've been coaching for 31 years," Walker said. "I have been at five schools during that time, four of which are all in this district of AISA."

Walker started his coaching career at Bainbridge High School, in Bainbridge, Ga.

"I coached in Georgia for three years before I started at Escambia Academy, where I stayed for 11 years," he said. "Then I was at Monroe Academy for 11 years, and South Montgomery County Academy until two years ago, when I came here to G.A."

In Bainbridge, Walker coached Jr. Varsity. In Escambia he had J.V. Boys and Girls, and Varsity girls.

Then at Monroe, and later at SMCA, Walker coached J.V. and Varsity Girls'.

"I received my 300 victory plaque in 1991, and 400 in 1997."

Walker, and his wife of 32 years, Martha are glad to be homeowners again, in Greenville.

"While we are at SMCA, we rented a house, I'm just proud to be settled again," Walker said.

The Walkers have three children.

"Laura is married and lives in Daphne," he said. Brian is also married, and lives in AtlantaJonathan is at home with us, and is in the eighth grade in G.A."

One thing is for certain, with such an impressive record, the Tornados can plan on more victories under the guidance of David Walker.