Academy swimming: Butcher steps into Barney's shoes

Aug. 10—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."

Barney began coaching the boys swimmers in 1982 after starting the girls program in 1975.

"I have a ton of respect for the traditions of the program," said Butcher. "Coaches, we tend to be pretty confident, and I'm pretty confident I'm up to it. I'm ready to take the reins."

Butcher grew up in Alaska. He is a former volunteer assistant coach with the University of New Mexico women's program, while he gained his Masters in sports administration.

He has been the head coach at Charger Aquatics since 2019, but started as a senior assistant coach in January 2012.

"I think I learned a lot from Dave the last couple of years about being in a successful high school environment," Butcher said, adding that he observed how to "interact with athletes, with a buildup to the state championships each year."

As he coaches the juggernaut Academy teams, he will remain as a club coach as well.

"A lot of traditions are there for us to keep moving things forward," he said.