Walker, with a successful coaching history including three state championships at Glades Day, aims to rebuild the struggling Wolverines.
MIAMI GARDENS — Pete Walker thought he was out but the coaching pangs brought him back to the sidelines in 2025.
Walker had led Glades Day to three state football champions – 2006, 2009, 2010. He moved further into the Everglades, to his alma mater Clewiston, where he won a state title as starting quarterback in 1982, for two successful coaching stints from 2013 to 2022.
Closing in on 60 years old, Walker thought he was done coaching, finishing with a 190-72 career record and 21 state playoff appearances. But he wasn’t done.
Walker is back after two seasons away from the gridiron working for a tractor company to lead a struggling Wolverines football program that needed an injection of life.
“I really thought I’d be done with coaching,’’ Walker said at the Miami Dolphins-sponsored Media Day on Aug. 9. “I had coached for 30 years. I started working for equipment tractor company my father worked at. I really thought I was out of it. But Wellington is only 5 minutes from my house and I got the itch to coach again."
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Walker turned 60 in July and celebrated the milestone at the Hard Rock Casino down the road from Hard Rock Stadium. He was back at the Broward County stadium on Aug. 9 with seven of his Welington players for the media showcase featuring high schools from all of South Florida.
During the formal press-conference segment, a podium was set up with five chairs – one for the coach, four for players. Walker explained to the organizers he had seven guys and wanted all of them on the stage. Walker said he’d be willing to sit in the audience. The Dolphins officials agreed to have them all come up.
And that’s how Walker gets things done – on and off the football field.
“After you did something for 30 years, it stays in your blood,’’ Walker said in a private moment. “I still always watched football. I missed making the difference, working with young men. There’s a big need. When you look around the world, we need people making a difference to young men. We’ll win football games at some point. But that part is what’s important – making them be the best version of themselves.’’
His return hasn’t been all rose petals. “Sometimes I question myself - what am I doing?" Walker said. “Just being truthful. But I’ve enjoyed the kids and like the kids I got."
Wellington football had fallen on hard times, winning six games the past two seasons under Ross Pryor. Last season’s record was 4-6 but the Wolverines suffered several lopsided defeats – 50-6 to Palm Beach Central, 55-6 to Jupiter, 27-7 to Seminole Ridge and 51-15 to Spanish River.
Ari Carranza, the junior center, was blunt about the decline in Wellington’s stature. On the podium, Carranza said, “We were really weak playing last year. We will come back faster and stronger. It’s been a really tough two years.’’
Asked later to clarify, Carranza said, “(Walker) pushes us to be our best in the weight room. It’s a big change. Our last coach wouldn’t really push us as Coach Walker does now. He sees all the hard work and all the support he gives us and pushes us to get stronger than last season. He’s brought in new coaches to help us to reach our full potential to be the best we can be.’’
The skill positions, Walker says, look solid but that’s not what always wins high school games. Whether Wellington can dominate in the trenches is the big question. Walker made no bold predictions about the 2025 record.
“We want to produce a winning culture,’’ Walker said. That’s all we want. It’s been tough the last few years winning football games there. I’m trying to focus on character and do things winners do, the right things. We’re just feeling each other out right now and what their expectations are under me. Being on time at practice every day. We do those things well, we can actually compete this year.’’
Wellington looks competent at quarterback with returning senior starter Jonathan Paul. His top receiver in touchdowns from last season, senior Jose Bras, is back and he also plays linebacker.
Also expected to play huge roles are sophomore Deandre King (receiver, linebacker), freshman Tarrens Catul (receiver, defensive back), senior Phillip Sabbatino (receiver) and senior Dante Sorriero (tight end, linebacker).
“Our skills position, we have several kids, young and old, who can play receiver, defensive back and linebacker,’’ Walker said. “We may have four five freshmen start for us. They’re good enough to do it. And we can use it for depth.’’
The quarterback, Paul, should make a big jump as he’s a quick learner.
“He’s smart and very coachable,’ Walker said. “You got to have that from every player but especially your quarterback, the most crucial position on the field. He’s taken coaching well. He throws the ball well, very good arm and takes care of the ball, doesn’t turn it over a lot.’’
There is a new optimism even if it doesn’t translate into a winning season. There was a lot of talk about “brotherhood’’ and “connections” on that Wellington podium.
“I feel we can win with the new coach we have now,’’ Carranza said. “Everybody is feeling a different mood coming into the season. We’re feeling more enticed to play.’’
Said Walker, “We’ll teach them how to play, but when they’re done playing football here, we want them to look back and know they’re a better man, better husband, better citizen because they played at Wellington High.’’
Spoken like a lifelong teacher/coach.
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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Pete Walker, 3-time state champion, embraces Wellington football rebuild
Category: General Sports
