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Devils coach resigns

By PETE YOUNG

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 14, 2000

After 12 years as coach at St. Petersburg, Norman "Dusty" Boylson has resigned.

Boylson, 47, who compiled a 46-76 career record, declined to comment Wednesday, but assistant coach Thad Starling said he was shocked.

"It was a shock to me (Tuesday) night when I heard it," Starling said. "(Boylson) didn't really get into the reason why.

"I know he met with (principal Linda Benware) Monday and then (again on Tuesday). And then he told us he'd be turning in his resignation. It was something between him and the principal."

Asked if Boylson resigned or had been dismissed, Benware said, "I have a letter of resignation from Dusty Boylson.

"I appreciate the services Coach Boylson has given to St. Petersburg High School," Benware said. "We will now look for a coach that works closely with the administration and the philosophy of St. Petersburg High School and the community."

The Green Devils went 3-7 last season, 0-4 in Class 5A, District 7. In Boylson's first five seasons, the team finished 10-40. The next five seasons, it was 31-21 with a playoff appearance in 1997 when the team finished 8-3. The past two seasons, St. Petersburg slipped to 5-15.

Starling, 47, who was the head coach at Pinellas Park from 1990-93, said he and the other assistants had not been contacted to see if they would be retained or are candidates to replace Boylson.

"I felt good coaching with Dusty," said Starling, who completed his first year on the staff. "I came here because of Dusty. He was rebuilding. We have a pretty strong nucleus coming back."

- Staff writer Jon Wilson contributed to this report.

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