Amador High School aquatic center renamed to honor former swim coach Amador High School aquatic center renamed to honor former swim coach (June 10, 2005)

Charles "Chuck" Volonte dedicated 33 years of coaching
by Rebecca Guyon

The remodeled Amador Valley High School Aquatic Center was officially named the Charles "Chuck" Volonte Aquatic Center after the Board of Trustees unanimously passed the resolution Tuesday night.

"I am overwhelmed," Volonte said during the meeting. "This is a chance for me to reflect on all (the school district's) given to me and I could say the same for Pleasanton."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the pool is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Monday, June 3.

"People don't realize how far and deep water (a pool) goes for a community," Volonte said.

Volonte began teaching at Amador in 1955 and became the school's swim coach in 1959, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. Under his leadership, the swim team won its first American Championship in 1966 and went on to win six straight championships. During his tenure as coach, 45 individual swimmers and divers earned All-American honors and in 1979 Volonte received the Jim Walden Athletic Service award.

"Chuck instilled in student athletes that success comes through hard work and discipline," said Amador Principal Bill Coup.

Of course, winning so many championships means there were people defeated along the way, one of whom was Superintendent John Casey. Casey said Volonte's backstroker beat him in 1971 during a swim meet.

Students, parents, teachers and community members were first consulted in December 2004 on who the remodeled pool should be named after. Volonte's name came up several times and the suggestion was shared with representatives from the Amador student body, athletic boosters and Parent Teacher Student Association. All the groups supported recommending Volonte and the Board of Trustees approved.

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