Tom Hilbert, who was Dunedin’s baseball coach for 16 years, accepted the same position at Palm Harbor University. PHU athletic director Larry Lopez confirmed Hilbert has been chosen to replace Joel Slawinski, who transferred to Dunedin to be an assistant football coach.
Hilbert, 44, resigned as Dunedin’s coach after the 2013 season and became a volunteer coach at St. Petersburg College. He won 360 games and 13 district championships with the Falcons and a state title in 2008. Hilbert spent his first four years as a head coach at Dixie Hollins.
“I love Dunedin High School and Dunedin baseball, but I’m very excited about this opportunity,’’ Hilbert said. “I think Palm Harbor is a diamond in the rough. I can see myself being here for a very long time.’’
PHU was 11-14 last season and finished last in Class 8A, District 8. Slawinski was 30-37 in his three years at PHU.