February 14, 2024 - Andrew Young has been named the Charles McCaffree Award winner by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). This award, selected by the CSCAA’s Board of Directors, recognizes a swimming or diving graduate who has achieved outstanding success outside of the pool. Young will be recognized at the 63rd Annual CSCAA College Swimming & Diving Awards on May 6th in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Long before swimmers like Sabir Muhammad, Maritza Correia, Anthony Nesty, and others made waves in the sport, Dr. Andrew Young navigated the waters of racism and exclusion as a pioneering African-American swimmer.

Young's groundbreaking achievements include being the first Black swimmer to receive the International Swimming Hall of Fame's prestigious Gold Medallion Award, recognizing his national and international contributions beyond the pool.

“Andrew Young's influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the swimming community. His pivotal role as a civil rights advocate, aiding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and contributing to the drafting of both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had a profound impact on all of society,” said Samantha Barany, Executive Director of CSCAA. “As a swimmer at Howard University during an era marked by racial segregation in pools, his journey serves as inspiration whose significance may not be fully grasped. It is with immense pride and respect that we acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Andrew Young.”

Now in his 90s, Young's legacy transcends swimming. From his days as a swimmer at Howard University in the 1950s, where segregation barred many pools to him, he championed efforts to build more pools, particularly in urban areas.

As Mayor of Atlanta, Young allocated over $1 million to increase swimming access citywide. His commitment to public service extended beyond swimming, serving as a pastor, congressman, ambassador, and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the civil rights movement.

“Andrew Young's influence resonates deeply within Howard University, the swimming community, and across the nation. I am constantly inspired and grateful for the opportunity to learn from Mr. Young. Sharing news of his well-deserved award was a profound honor. We are all enriched by his enduring impact” said Howard Swimming and Diving Coach, Nic Askew.

Young's impact reached global proportions when, as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter, he played a pivotal role in bringing the 1996 Summer Olympic Games to Atlanta, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in sports, politics, and civil rights.

CSCAA members can register for the 63rd Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration at www.cscaa.org/meetings. All registrations include a ticket to the Awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis. Questions can be directed to: all@cscaa.org

Previous Recipients

2023 - Dr. Tara Kirk Sell, Stanford 2022 - Victoria Gmelich, Dartmouth University 2021 - Roger Von Jouanne, Southern Illinois 1982, Walter Rogers, III, Southern Illinois 1962
2019 - Dr. Brian Casey, Notre Dame 1985
2018 - Carter Cast, Stanford 1985
2017 - Morgan Burke, Purdue University 1973
2016 - Brad Snyder, USNA 2006
2015 - Dr. James DeBord, Illinois 1969
2014 - John Davis, North Carolina 1991
2013 - Major Ray O’Donnell, Hawaii 2001, Dr. Steven Scott, Springfield 1972
2012 - Frank Comfort, Syracuse 1967
2011 - Adolph Kiefer, Texas 1939
2008 - R. Todd Ruppert, Kenyon 1978
2006 - Chuck Wielgus, Providence 1972
2005 - Rowdy Gaines, Auburn 1981
1998 - Pat Wall
1997 - Jody Durst, California 1968
1996 - Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., NC State 1974
1995 - Dr. Steve Rerych, Columbia 1969
1994 - Jim Veres
1993 - Dr. John Crecine, Michigan 1962
1992 - Robert Helmick, Drake 1957
1991 - Frank McKinney, Indiana 1961
1990 - 'Tiger' Holmes, Florida 1948
1989 - Charles Keating, Cincinnati 1966
1988 - William Simon, Lafayette 1952
1987 - Dave McCampbell, Navy 1933
1986 - Paul (Buddy) Bucha, Army West Point 1965
1985 - Hal Henning, North Central 1941
1984 - Alvin Benedict, Rutgers 1948

About the CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is the first professional association of college coaches in the United States.  The CSCAA is dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of the sport of swimming and diving at the collegiate level. The CSCAA works to

• protect, promote and expand competitive intercollegiate swimming and diving programs; 

• recognize outstanding achievements by coaches, swimmers and divers;

• promote communication and cooperation within swimming and diving and with our partner National Governing Bodies, the NCAA, NAIA and Junior College Associations;

• provide ongoing educational and leadership training for coaches and athletes; and serve as a resource to its membership and for the general public.