Boxer Spotlight -Colorado Springs, Co
October 19, 1998

Tom Moraetes of Augusta, Georgia was named USA Boxing's Coach of the Year at the annual meeting held in his hometown last week. 

Moraetes was selected by the Credentials and Awards Committee after three candidates were narrowed down from a nationwide selection by USA Boxing clubs and members.

Moraetes has developed the Augusta Boxing program into one of the nation's finest.  He started the program in 1974 and has relocated his gym five times due to the increasing number of members.  Since then, his boxers have won 29 individual national titles in 10 different categories.  He is the only coach in 1998 to have a number one ranked make and female boxer in the country in Jacob Hudson and Denise Lutrick.

He is a 21-one time Georgia State head coach at regionals and nationals, three time head coach for national teams and four time head coach for international competition. 

He is a 20 - time Georgia Stated Team Championship, two time National Police Athletic League (PAL) Champion and two-time National PAL runner up team coach.   

Moraetes is a certified Level IV coach and has hosted the National PAL Tournament, USA vs. Russia dual and the 1996 U.S. Olympic Box-Offs at his facilities in Augusta. 

Moraetes amateur coaching career also extends to the Junior Olympic (JO) level.. He was the 1980 head coach for JO dual with Ireland and the 1992 head coach of the JO elite Training Camp in Colorado Springs.Moraetes has coached as  a youth .one Olympian,Vernon Forrest ,and two Olympic alternates ,Brandon Mitchem,1996 and Jacob Hudson,He currently coaches Ray Whitfield ,a member of the 2003 USA Pan AM team.  Back To "Ask The Trainer".

In November 2005, USA Boxing's president (Bill Meartz) and Board of Directors have recently appointed Tom Moraetes to the National Coache's Committee in addition the National Women's Sub Committee. "I am very honored to be placed on these 2 prestigeous committees, particularity the women's committee," says Tom. "One of my main goals being on this committee will be to enhance the opportunities for all women in our sport which includes participation in the Olympics."