Starting today, Walter Weller goes from worrying about Dixie Hollins' athletics to the entire county's athletics.
By BOB PUTNAM
Published July 1, 2003
For the past seven years, Walter Weller became adept at juggling many tasks as the assistant principal for athletics at Dixie Hollins.
He hired coaches, handled busing routes and made sure things were in compliance with each of the 12 boys and girls sports programs at the school.
Weller will continue to perform those duties, only he will now do it on a larger scale.
Starting today, Weller will take over as the Pinellas County activities director.
He replaces Bob Hosack, who had been involved with athletics in Pinellas for 40 years, including the past 19 as the county's director of activities.
"I think the biggest adjustment is the volume that I'm dealing with," Weller said. "Before, I was just dealing with athletics at one school. Now I'm responsible for athletics and activities at every middle school and high school in the county.
"It's a lot, but it hasn't become overwhelming yet."
Weller, 40, was one of five finalists interviewed April 22 by a committee that included Clearwater High principal Nick Grasso and Seminole High principal Rick Misenti.
The other candidates were: Tom Brittain of Dunedin, Liz Collins of Countryside, Donna Blumer of Dixie Hollins and Sonny Hester of Jesuit.
He was hired in May and started training for his new role during the first week of June.
"It was my last week at Dixie," Weller said. "I would start my day there then head over to the county office and work with Bob."
It was a hands-on approach. Hosack didn't waste time giving out assignments. When a coach called with a recruiting allegation, Hosack gave the phone to Weller. Soon, Weller was tackling other issues related to school choice and the budget.
Hosack's last day was Thursday, which gave Weller a head start. Among his first duties will be to sort out official's proposals for next season and adjusting the fall schedules to make sure there is adequate transportation.
"It's already busy," Weller said. "Some things have popped up that have caught me off guard. I just have to learn how to take each issue one by one.
"It's exciting, and I still have a great support system. I know Bob is gone but is not going very far. He's just a phone call away, and I've told him I'll be calling him often."
