Tom Landgraf
Tom Landgraf was a 10-year-old novice swimmer in New Albany, Indiana, when he penned a prophetic prediction: “Someday I’ll be a swim coach in Houston, Texas.” His extraordinary journey included successful swim careers at New Albany High School and Indiana State University. Coaching started when Landgraf founded an outstanding Jeffersonville, Indiana, swim program, where he captured coach of the year honors and was president of the Indiana High School Swim Coaches Association. The childhood dream came true in 1980 when Landgraf was named Baytown Sterling High School swimming coach, along with something new - water polo. He quickly produced three water polo state championships. Landgraf joined the USA Water Polo coaching staff in 1986, coaching at the National Development Camp, Pan Am Games, World Championships, FINA Cup, and the 1996 Olympic Games. He became (Houston) Clear Lake High School head coach in 1992, and the Falcons flourished in swimming while posting 15 water polo state championships. A sparkling 42-year coaching career produced 200-plus high school all-Americans, and an .820 winning percentage (swim meets and water polo). Landgraf was Texas Coach of the Year a dozen times, president of the Texas High School Swimming Coaches Association, and received the 1999 National Interscholastic Service Award.
