ORONO – As a football player at the University of Maine in the 1950s, Walt Abbott played offensive guard and linebacker, which meant he led the offense and filled the gaps on defense.

At age 54 and with 30 years as a coach and faculty member at Maine under his belt, Abbott once again finds himself both leading and filling a gap for Black Bear athletics.

Abbott was named Monday as acting athletic director at Maine, replacing Kevin White, who is leaving after four years to become AD at Tulane University.

“I was very pleased the administration had confidence in me and wanted me to take part in the leadership of the athletic department,” said Abbott, who takes over for White July 1 and will continue in the post until a permanent AD is named.

In announcing Abbott during a press conference at the Maine Center for the Arts on campus, UM Vice President for Academic Affairs John Hitt cited Abbott’s leadership qualities as the reason he was chosen to replace White.

“His commitment and strong professional and personal integrity will serve the program well,” said Hitt.

Hitt said Abbott’s being named acting AD in no way prohibits the former UM football coach from pursuing the position on a permanent basis. Abbott said he is currently undecided about applying for the post, which is being advertised nationally.

Robert A. Cobb, dean of the College of Education, chairs the search committee for the new AD. He expects the position to be filled by Sept. 1.

Abbott will enjoy a significant pay raise for the duration of his tenure as AD. As an associate professor of physical education and a specialist in the areas of physical fitness and outdoor safety and rescue, Abbott earns $48,467 paid over nine months. As AD, he will be paid a monthly stipend of $654.28 over and above his salary, which, if figured annually, would put him on a par with White’s $72,474 yearly pay.

Abbott takes over at a time of upheaval, both in the UM athletic department and campus wide.

Campus president Dr. Dale Lick is leaving next month to become president at Florida State University, at which time Hitt will take over as interim president. Tom Aceto, a UM vice president, is leaving to become president at North Adams (Mass.) State College.

In addition to White’s departure, associate AD Tom Boeh is leaving to take a similar position at Northwestern University.

“There could be a big void in leadership,” said Abbott. “We’re trying to prevent any slippage in leadership from happening.”

Abbott will be overseeing two major, privately funded construction projects. The $3.9 million expansion of the Alfond Arena began this week. A $400,000 all-weather outdoor track is currently being installed around the football field.

“I’m excited about what a great summer it’s going to be with these projects,” said Abbott.

In addition to the construction projects, Abbott will have to deal with the ongoing budget crisis which has seen the athletic budget reduced from $5 million in fiscal year 1990 to $4.4 million for FY ’91. Aceto said a tentative athletic budget has been set for FY ’92, but a final budget will not be submitted until the state legislature delivers its final appropriation.

“If further reductions are called for, Walter will have to address that,” said Aceto.

Abbott said he will continue White’s policy of soliciting both financial support and support in general for UM athletics on a statewide basis.

“We need the whole state of Maine. This is an opportunity to help bring some of my friends in to help keep that support, not only financial support, but so when people pick up the paper they want to read about the teams. That’s an area in a short period of time I hope to have some impact on,” said Abbott.