Recently the initial class of the Louisville Catholic Sports Hall of Fame was inducted, and along with Paul Hornung, Howard Schnelenberger et. al was all-star high school swim coach Marty O’ Toole.
An iconic swimmer himself, O’Toole has made a name for himself as one of the most legendary figures in St. X athletics in any sport.
A 1957 St. X grad, O’Toole quickly made a name for himself as a standout swimmer. Becoming State Champion in the breast stroke four times-a Kentucky record, leading the team to three St. X championships-the final of which he was a captain for, and being named an all-American O’Toole’s accolades in high school proved his abilities and work ethic.
O’Toole proceeded in his education packing up his bags to attend Catholic University, O’Toole eventually moved to Notre Dame where he got his degree though.
In 1989 O’Toole took over as swimming coach at his alma mater now with a legacy of his own. During his tenure coaching the Tigers O’Toole led the team to 14 Louisville Regional championships, 14 Kentucky State Championships, and 24 Relay State Championships. This is not to mention the countless athletes who received dozens of individual awards and honors under O’Toole’s tutelage. After an extraordinarily successful run as head coach O’Toole retired from the position in 2002, leaving coaching duties to his assistant coach and son Michael O’Toole.
Since then O’Toole has worked tirelessly in regional swimming causes and competitions and his work was honored in 2007 as he was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame. More recently, as previously noted O’Toole was given the honor of being among the initial inductees into the Louisville Catholic Sports Hall of Fame this year.
Through it all O’Toole’s legacy revolves around his commitment to his teams and his city and for that reason Marty O’Toole is a sports legend of the Ville.
Image courtesy of KHSAA
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