BY JAMES YODICE / JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
John Butcher has added Albuquerque Academy aquatics to Charger Aquatics.
The 34-year-old is the private school’s new head swimming coach, replacing the legendary Dave Barney, who led Academy to a combined 42 boys and girls state team championships in his magnificent career before retiring earlier this year.
Butcher is the head coach for the Charger Aquatics club team. Now he takes over the state’s most decorated prep swimming program.
He has been Barney’s assistant the last two years.
“You know, I think there’s just so many things about this school that draws people,” Butcher said. “It’s just a culture of excellence, both academically and athletically. It permeates the entire school. You foster a culture like that and it will drive excellence more and more going forward.”
