July 5, 2012
THE FLATS – Former Georgia Tech swimmer and head coach Herb McAuley ’47 is one of five new members of the Georgia Aquatic Hall of Fame. The 2012 class will be inducted at a ceremony on August 25 at the Atlanta Athletic Club.
This year’s inductees include McAuley (former head swimming coach at Georgia Tech and multiple masters’ national champion) along with Jack Bauerle (head Olympic swimming coach in 2008 and University of Georgia head coach), Doug Gjertson (1988 and 1992 Olympic gold medalist), Jenny Chandler (1976 Olympic gold medalist in diving), and Mary Ellen Blanchard (20-year American record holder in 200 yard breast).
Check out the Summer 2012 issue of Buzz Magazine for an in-depth feature on Coach McAuley
As a student-athlete, McAuley was the star of the 1942 SEC championship squad, winning the conference championship in the 220 and 440 freestyle that year.
After having his schooling interrupted while serving in the Army Signal Corps in World War II, he returned to Tech to complete his degree in electrical engineering in 1947. McAuley then joined the Yellow Jackets staff as an assistant coach under Fred Lanoue, a position McAuley held for 17 years.
McAuley succeeded Lanoue as head coach for the 1965 season, and would coach the Jackets for 23 seasons, compiling a record of 169-144-1. The program took a one-year hiatus upon McAuley’s retirement in 1987, which signaled the end of a 40-year stint on the Tech coaching staff.
He was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1982.
Following his days on the Flats, McAuley was a standout on the masters swimming circuit, winning multiple masters national championships in the freestyle, butterfly and individual medley.
At age 89, McAuley continues to be an active swimmer.
The Aquatic Hall of Fame is an internet non-profit organization designed to provide free access to the general public, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Georgia is the first state to establish its Aquatic Hall of Fame as a website.
Incorporated in 2010, this premiere Hall of Fame is dedicated to aquatic sports and intends to preserve the history of aquatics sports in Georgia by celebrating the accomplishments of athletes, coaches and individuals who have excelled or made major contributions to any of the aquatic disciplines.
The induction dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. and is open to the public. Tickets are $60 per person and may be purchased by sending a check payable to The Georgia Aquatic Hall of Fame. The mailing address is Georgia Aquatic Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 5267, St. Marys, GA, 31558. Payment should be received by August 11, 2012. Rooms have been reserved at the Marriott Peachtree Corners for attendees to the banquet.
Additional information about the Georgia Hall of Fame and nominations may be found at the web site: www.georgiaaquatichalloffame.com.
