Robert Weiner, part of last season's state semifinalists, takes over a program that won a lot under Brent Hall.
By KRISTEN LEIGH PORTER
Published July 31, 2003
CRYSTAL RIVER - Fate. Destiny. Just right.
That is how new Crystal River baseball coach Robert Weiner described his new position.
Weiner, an assistant at Jesuit, was officially named to the spot by athletic director Earl Bramlett on Tuesday.
"It's amazing the Crystal River job just seemed to fall into place," Weiner said from California, where he was visiting relatives. "No matter which way I turned, the Crystal River job was telling me this was the place I was supposed to be. I'm incredibly excited."
Weiner, 38, will be back in Florida today and in Crystal River on Friday. He replaces former coach Brent Hall, whose contract was not renewed despite a 83-15 record in three seasons.
Weiner was the top pick for the Pirates job but did not accept an offer earlier this month. Weiner had his eye on the coveted Jesuit football job vacated by Dominick Ciao. He had served as an assistant since 1988. But in mid July, the school decided to go with another coach.
So Weiner got in touch with Bramlett and principal Steve Myers to see if they still would be interested.
"To be honest, I was feeling bad making this phone call because I feel like I've led you around by a leash and I had no intention of doing that," Weiner said. "Bramlett and Myers have been sincere and forthright and put a lot of confidence in me. I can't thank them enough for their patience."
Bramlett said Weiner was worth the wait.
"I think he's a class individual, and he's been at that situation for a long time," Bramlett said. "He was highly recommended by (Jesuit baseball coach John Crumbley), who said he played a big part in the success they've had at Tampa Jesuit as far as baseball is concerned."
Weiner comes from a storied program that counts Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella as a former player. The Tigers were 25-8 last season and reached the state semifinals. Crumbley, who is entering his 20th season, said his former assistant will have to develop his own style as a head coach.
"He's seen how continuity and how a system works when you adjust to talent, and then good things can happen for your club," Crumbley said.
"I know he's ready to take that step."
Weiner will have plenty of talent to work with. Crystal River was 28-5 last season and reached the region final. The Pirates junior varsity finished 20-1. For the players, parents and fans eager for news on who would get the job, Tuesday's decision was welcome.
Ryan Pearson, who will be a senior and was the team's designated hitter last season, said he was happy to hear the news.
"It's a relief that they recruited someone who has that experience," he said. "We were pretty nervous because we didn't know who our coach would be."
Weiner is a 1983 Jesuit graduate and received his bachelor's degree from Boston College. He also will teach English at Crystal River.
