WEATHERFORD —
If one was looking for a familiar face at a Weatherford High School sporting event, chances are the recurring visage would be that of Philip O'Neal, the Athletic Director of WISD. Through successful endeavors or more challenging times, O'Neal usually had a smile and a handshake, as well as an encouraging or congratulatory word.
O'Neal, who will be leaving Weatherford next month to assume the Athletic Director position at Fort Bend ISD in Sugarland, is not without a good bit of reverie as he prepares to make the move.
Taking the reins of the basketball head coach at WHS in 1992, O'Neal made his presence felt later in the decade, directing the Roos to three playoff appearances in 1996, 1997 and 1999, earning District Coach of the Year in '96. As, athletic administrator at WHS, O'Neal and the respective coaching staffs celebrated playoff appearances in more than 15 team sports, including a softball state championship in his second year as Director.
O'Neal always expressed a great deal of pride in Weatherford athletes scholastic achievements, with 62% of varsity athletes named to all-district roles. In 2011, Weatherford tallied 32 academic all-state athletes, an all-time high.
Philip O'Neal:
“I am heartbroken about leaving my hometown of 20 years. Growing up in Dallas, I didn’t think there would be any place that would replace it as ‘home.’ Weatherford is now home in my heart. The most difficult thing about leaving is moving away from the amazing student athletes, coaches, colleagues and friends that have developed over these past 20 years,” he added. “The physical place of Weatherford is amazing by itself, but the people are what make Weatherford so special. I want to thank former Weatherford ISD Superintendent Dr. Deborah Cron and Holly Teague (current WISD Deputy Superintendent) for the opportunity to serve the student athletes of Weatherford. I also want to thank the Board of Trustees for their support. The Board, under the leadership of President Charlie Martinez, has hired an amazing leader in Dr. Jeffrey Hanks. Dr. Hanks will have a great positive impact on Weatherford ISD during his tenure. While I am sad to leave, I am excited about the amazing opportunity given to me by Fort Bend ISD. They too have amazing student athletes and amazing sports teams. I will always keep up with and pull for the Roos in all that they do.”
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