Walston is a University of Missouri graduate and holds a Master's degree from the United States Sports Academy. Along with his duties as Head Softball Coach, Walston also teaches in MBU's undergraduate program.

Coach Messer-Brooks founded the Wolverine Softball Association in 1992. Additionally, he has been an ASA Umpire for over 15 yrs and has umpired CYC Softball for years. Messer-Brooks, a retired United States Army Captain, attended Indiana Vocational College for Computer Technology. He is married with 2 daughters.