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SPLASH HIRE: Thomas leaves Boaz to become Aggies’ head swim coach

SPLASH HIRE: Thomas leaves Boaz to become Aggies’ head swim coach

This article first appeared in the August 3 edition of The Sand Mountain Reporter. 

ALBERTVILLE — As the Albertville Aggies work to build up their swimming program, they will do so under the tutelage of Boaz’s three-time State championship head coach Dusty Thomas.

Albertville City Schools approved the hiring of Thomas during last week’s Board of Education meeting. He leaves for the Aggies after 16 years at Boaz.

Thomas, who is a graduate of Boaz High School, served as the Pirates head swim coach since 2012. He’s also worked as an assistant coach for the recreation league’s Boaz Barracudas swim program since 2011.

“This change is not just a new job for me but also gives me a chance to help contribute to the growth and development of the high school swim team,” Thomas said in a statement to The Reporter.

“AHS Swim will work hand in hand with Sand Mountain Park’s swim programs as well. Levi Webb did an amazing job with the Albertville Gators swim program this summer, and I am excited to start working with him.

“While I was at Boaz, I had the privilege of working with many talented swimmers who were committed to excellence. Now, I am ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of building, promoting and improving the swim team at Albertville High School.

“I want our swim program to be something the community can be proud of. I believe that a strong swim program not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters teamwork, discipline and resilience among student-athletes.

“The Albertville swim team has a lot of potential, and I am dedicated to creating a program that encourages all students to join and do well. By using new training methods, promoting competition and creating a supportive atmosphere, Levi and I will help the swimmers reach their full potential in and out of the pool. Most importantly, we want them to have fun doing something they enjoy.

“Additionally, I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with the summer swim program, as well as the USA program. I want this program to be known for supporting young swimmers and introducing them or reintroducing them to the sport of swimming.

“Working with SMPA will help me connect with the community, nurture young talent and make it easy for swimmers to move into the high school program.”

While at Boaz, Thomas took the Pirates swim program to new heights, and he hopes for similar success at Albertville.

Since 2017, every Boaz boys team has finished inside the top three at the AHSAA State and Swimming and Diving Championships, capturing three State championships in 2018, 2022 and 2023.

In 2023, the Pirate boys claimed their sixth consecutive Class 1A-5A North Alabama Sectional Meet championship. The Boaz girls were runner-up, making their best finish in school history.

Thomas has twice been selected as Alabama Boys Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Association.

“My choice to move to Albertville City Schools comes from my wish to make a positive difference in new students’ lives,” Thomas said. “I am thankful for my time in Boaz and look forward to the new friendships and challenges in Albertville. Together, I believe we can create a swim program that inspires a lifelong love for swimming.”

Students in grades 7-12 with interest in joining the swim program may contact Thomas at dustinthomas@albertk12.org to learn more, he said.

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