The Los Alamos Aquatomics recently presented Tom McLaughlin with the Dale Berg Award for
Outstanding Service from New Mexico Swimming. Pictured are Lance Sanchez (NM Swimming
Official’s Chair), Tom McLaughlin (long-time swim official and Aquatomics supporter), and
Maribeth Englert (Aquatomics Head Coach). Photo Courtesy Aquatomics
Tom was joined by some of his children and grandchildren. Deb Hinkle, Heath and Stacy McLaughlin live locally with their children. Patrick McLaughlin was in town from El Paso, TX with his children. Photo Courtesy Aquatomics
Tom McLaughlin was a swim official for several decades. During the award ceremony, he removed his Official’s shirt to reveal an Aquatomics T-shirt from the early 80’s which he still proudly sports! Photo Courtesy Aquatomics
The Los Alamos Aquatomics Swim Team presented Tom McLaughlin with the Dale Berg Outstanding Service Award on July 5. Tom has been a long-time official in New Mexico Swimming, and also with NMAA High School Swimming. The Dale Berg Award is given to those who exemplify service to the swimming community and is voted on by the House of Delegates for NM Swimming.
The Aquatomics had a wonderful evening honoring Tom. Several of his children (both local and
out of town) with their families were able to attend. There were also local officials (past and present) along with officials from Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Tom began officiating in the early 80’s when 2 of his children joined the Aquatomics. He
continued with both club and HS officiating for more than a decade, including at a national meet in California where his son Pat was attempting to attain Olympic Trials qualifying times. His grandchildren began swimming in the early 2000’s, and Tom once again answered the need
for officials at Club and High School meets. Tom’s grandchildren Emily, Owen, Joshua, and Ashley have all swum on the Aquatomics, and Ashley continues to swim with the team. His service spans several decades, and there is none more deserving of the Dale Berg Outstanding Service Award!
Lance Sanchez, the NM Swimming Officials Chair, also presented Tom with a framed certificate
honoring him for his contributions to HS Swimming. The Aquatomics Athlete Representative,
Madalyn Baily, gave Tom a handmade card signed by many of the swimmers thanking him for
all his work on their behalf.
We are so honored to have Tom and all of his family as part of the Aquatomics Family!
The Aquatomics Swim Team was founded in 1963 and continues with a rich history of swimming in Los Alamos. If you would like to contact us, please visit our website at
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/nmlaa/page/home