Charles Todd doesn't coach swimming to earn awards, but being honored as the Georgia coach of the year by USA Swimming was a nice reward for 30 years of dedication to the sport.
Todd, the Dalton High School, Dalton Middle School and Carpet Capital Aquatic Club head coach, was chosen in part because of the success of two of his year-round swimmers. Sixteen-year-old Taylor Dale qualified for the junior and senior nationals in recent months and is ranked as one of top swimmers in his age group in the 100-meter backstroke. Dale is a candidate to make the United States Olympic team.
Also, Ethan Young is currently ranked as the fastest 13-14-year-old swimmer in the country in two events and is top-five in four others.
"My kids have worked really hard," said Todd, a Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe graduate who coached at the University of South Florida and at perennial Florida prep power Miami Palmetto High School before returning to the northwest Georgia area. "This was a nice surprise. I was named coach of the year for the GHSA in 2003-04, but this is a little bigger stature."
Todd, who also coaches football at Dalton Middle School, practices with his swimmers three mornings a week at 5:30 and every afternoon. For recognition of his award, Todd was thrown a party by his swimmers and parents.
"I'm a big Alabama fan and they gave me a 3D photo of Bryant-Denny Stadium, and when I turned on the lights there was also two tickets to the Alabama-Tennessee football game," Todd said. "That was a nice moment."
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296.