Paul "Bucky" Walters was a transformative figure in Ohio high school basketball, combining success as both a coach and administrator during a career spanning four decades. A graduate of Circleville High School (1940) and Capital University (1947), his education was interrupted by military service in World War II, during which he served in the Navy from 1942 to 1944.

At Capital University, Walters earned the prestigious Berea Boots award in 1943, given to athletes who earned at least four varsity letters. After college, he briefly pursued professional baseball, signing with the Philadelphia Phillies organization in 1946 and playing one season for the Bradford Blue Wings.

Walters began his coaching career at Columbus East High School in 1947, where he achieved immediate success. During his tenure (1947-1953), he led the program to three district championships and three Columbus City Championships. In 1951, he guided Columbus East to become the first Columbus metro school to win a state championship, defeating Hamilton High School 57-39.

In 1953, Walters moved to Springfield High School, where he continued his successful coaching career. Over his combined 16 years as head coach at Columbus East and Springfield, he amassed an impressive record of 295-115. Following his coaching career, Walters served as Athletic Director for Springfield City Schools for 20 years, where he played a crucial role in developing other successful coaches and programs.

His contributions to Ohio basketball were recognized throughout his career. He was inducted into the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1966, the Capital University Hall of Fame in 1980, and the Springfield High School Hall of Fame in 1998. In 1984, Springfield South High School honored his legacy by naming their gymnasium after him.

Walters was also instrumental in organizing high school athletics at the league level, helping form the Western Ohio League and assisting in writing its handbook. He served as chair of the Western Ohio League and as former president of the Greater Ohio League before his retirement in 1986. He passed away in 1989 at age 66, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Ohio basketball.