CSCAA Honors Army Graduate, Dr. David R. Scott with the Charles McCaffree Award

Dr. David Scott has been named the Charles McCaffree Award winner by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA). 

February 3, 2024 - The CSCAA is proud to announce Dr. David R. Scott, an Army West Point graduate, as the recipient of the prestigious Charles McCaffree Award. This recognition is presented to an individual connected with the sport of collegiate swimming and diving who has achieved outstanding success outside of the pool.

Scott is widely recognized for his remarkable contributions to space exploration as a NASA astronaut, test pilot, and leader of one of the most scientifically groundbreaking Apollo missions. His journey to becoming the seventh person to walk on the Moon began with an enduring passion for aviation and a foundation of discipline forged through his experiences as a student-athlete.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Scott developed an early fascination with flying, inspired by his father, an Air Force general. Scott attended Riverside Technical High School in California, where he began swimming competitively. This passion for swimming carried him to collegiate athletics, where he competed as a swimmer at the United States Military Academy at West Point. During his time as a cadet, Scott set school records and became an All-American athlete, competing in the 300-yard medley relay and other freestyle events. His leadership, dedication, and drive were evident both in the pool and in the classroom, where he graduated fifth in his class of 633 in 1954.

Following graduation, Scott was commissioned into the Air Force, where he flew fighter jets in Europe during the Cold War. He later pursued advanced studies, earning both a Master of Science and an Engineer degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1962. This rigorous academic training, coupled with his natural leadership abilities, set the stage for his selection as an astronaut in NASA’s third group in 1963.

Scott first ventured into space in 1966 as Pilot of Gemini 8, alongside Neil Armstrong. Together, they performed the first successful docking of two spacecraft in Earth orbit, demonstrating critical capabilities for future lunar missions. Despite a life-threatening malfunction that caused their spacecraft to spin uncontrollably, Scott and Armstrong stabilized the mission and returned safely to Earth, a testament to their training and quick thinking under pressure.

In 1969, Scott flew as Command Module Pilot for Apollo 9, conducting the first comprehensive Earth-orbital test of the fully configured Apollo spacecraft, including the Lunar Module. His leadership and expertise played a pivotal role in validating the systems required for lunar landings.

Scott achieved his greatest legacy as Commander of Apollo 15 in 1971. This mission, which focused on scientific exploration of the Moon, marked several firsts: the first extended lunar stay, the first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, and the first deep exploration of lunar geology at Hadley Rille and the Apennine Mountains. Scott’s innovative demonstration of Galileo’s theory—dropping a hammer and a feather on the Moon to prove they fall at the same rate in the absence of air resistance—remains an iconic moment in space exploration history.

Over his NASA career, Scott logged 546 hours and 54 minutes in space, including 20 hours and 46 minutes of extravehicular activity. He retired from the Air Force as a Colonel in 1975, having accumulated over 5,600 hours of flight time in more than two dozen types of aircraft. Following his final Apollo mission, Scott served as Director of NASA’s Dryden (now Armstrong) Flight Research Center and contributed to advancing space and aviation technology.

Scott’s achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including two NASA Distinguished Service Medals, two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale Gold Medal. He is a Fellow of the American Astronautical Society, the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and several engineering honor societies.

In reflecting on his multifaceted career, Scott credits his background in swimming with instilling the competitiveness, endurance, and mental preparation that carried him through the most challenging moments of his life. From the pool at West Point to the rugged surface of the Moon, Dr. David R. Scott exemplifies the extraordinary possibilities that arise from dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

CSCAA members can register for the 64th Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration at www.cscaa.org/meetings. All registrations include a ticket to the Awards Ceremony at the Marriott Crabtree in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Previous Recipients

2024 - Ambassador Andrew Young, Howard University 2023 - Dr. Tara Kirk Sell, Stanford University 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.

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