The NELMSC is pleased to present Todd Whitford of Great Bay Masters (GBM) with an Appreciation Award for 2020. The Appreciation Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions toward the conduct, leadership, and support of the NELMSC or its registered clubs.

Coach Todd has been a reliable coach for GBM for many years. He is diligent with his practice group at the University of New Hampshire, always prepared and maintaining good communication between swimmers of all abilities and the facility. His emails to the club are witty, informative, and well-written. On deck, Todd uses technology to provide swimmers with immediate video feedback and encourages swimmers to help each other as well, fostering a close-knit community. He attends GBM Board meetings, even after two-hour practices, and regularly covers practices at other locations when other coaches can't be there. He helps spread the word about social activities and connects swimmers with similar interests to build deeper team connections. He also volunteers annually with our club-sponsored Adult Learn-To-Swim program, which is a great benefit to participants and volunteers alike.

Todd has been involved with the NELMSC Board as a club representative, contributed to the newsletter and social media platforms, attended the USMS Annual Meeting, and volunteered on-deck at clinics and meets.

On top of all that and a full-time job, Todd makes time and has the patience to respond to swimmer emails, messages and texts with promptness and good nature.

Thank you, Todd, for all you do!

Here's what a few of Todd’s teammates have to say about him:

• “Todd will always smile first, listen to the groans, and then say: “All done? Off you go.” He definitely uses humor and patience, and his commitment to the program is to be commended.”

• “Todd is inspiring without effort, a jokester even if it requires his own expense, and a GREAT contributor to Masters swimming.”

• “Todd Whitford has been coaching the GBM group at the UNH pool for the past several years. He was a swim friend before he was my coach and I've always enjoyed swimming with him and grabbing pizza and beer after practice.

  As a coach, Todd pushes us to work hard and do things we grumble and complain about because he knows we can do it and knows it will make us better swimmers in the long run. I will never forget the day we finished the set early and he said "Ok, we've still got some time left! Let's pair up and do grudge matches!" There was a collective and audible groan from the swimmers, but you know what we did? Paired up and rocked out some grudge matches because we respect the hell out of him.

  He revived the UNH contingent of the GBM and despite not being a morning person, shows up and writes workouts for the 6:30am practice on Friday mornings. I am not a morning person either, but make it on Friday mornings when I can and super appreciate the opportunity to get another day in the pool.

  He has helped me improve my starts by running us through drills, providing video feedback, and helpful critiques at meets. We proclaimed him the House Dad when we were in AZ for Nationals and he took on the responsibility wholeheartedly! He shuttled people back and forth from the airport and the meet in his minivan 20+ times and kept everyone stocked up by making grocery runs.

  Thank you x 💯 Coach Todd, for your continued efforts to make us better swimmers. I can't wait to get back in the pool with you and get La Festa or bagels after practice!”