Walton earned his reputation as a top official from his achievements as a referee at both the scholastic/collegiate level and within international wrestling.

In the collegiate style, Walton worked many of the most important events each season, including the Big Eight Wrestling Championships, the Oklahoma Open and the Sunshine Open. He was the head official at the University of Oklahoma from 1980 to 1984.

In international style competition, he officiated numerous meets, including the Sunkist Open, the U.S. Senior Open, the United States Armed Forces Championships and the ASICS Cadet Junior Nationals. Walton officiated five Olympic Team Trials and was on the mat at the last Sports Festival, held in Colorado in 1996.

His zeal to help younger officials motivated him to start what is now the “Top Gun Mentoring Program” within the United States Wrestling Officials Association. Walton served on the executive boards for both USA Wrestling and AAU Wrestling. He was the assistant coach for the AAU national championship team in 1978.

Bobby Walton is truly a master official and his generous encouragement has earned him the respect of his peers and countless young men.