The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

There have been so many special moments in his life, but one that will stand out for former track star turned elite coach David Charlton will be his induction into Howard University Athletic Department’s Hall of Fame for his contribution as an athlete from 1979-84.

On Friday during the ceremony that was held at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington DC, Charlton was enshrined in the 2014 Class with 25 other individuals, including American Olympic 110 metre hurdler David Oliver and five teams from soccer and football.

Charlton, who was honoured for his contribution to the Bison Express track and field, under the guardian of coach William ‘Bill’ Moultrie as a 400 and 400m hurdles specialist, said it was like a dream come true.

“I had a ball. I was honoured to be on stage with people like David Oliver and a number of former NFL (National Football League) players,” Charlton said. “It was just an honour to be on stage with those calibre of people. The whole event was just tremendous.”

In attendance in the audience that amounted to almost 1,000 people was Charlton’s wife, Laura Pratt-Charlton, their three daughters, Anthaya, Devynne and Lauren, his mother, Dora Charlton, former Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president and public relations officer Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson and his wife, Dawn, as well as Kermit Taylor of Bahamas Athletics.

“It was really nice and fancy,” Charlton said. “I was really pleased to have the kind of support that I had.”

As each honouree was called up, their accomplishments at Howard University were highlighted, as well as their academic achievements and their current status in life.

“It was really nice,” said Charlton about being inducted into the 2014 Hall of Fame Class. “It was one in awe because it was something that I never intended. I just wanted to come to the university to get an education and have a good time pretty much. But to have been able to accomplish the things that I did and then to be recognised for the accomplishment was very special.”

During his tenure at Howard University, Charlton was a member of the 1982 4 x 400m relay team that set a new NCAA record, was the 1983 Penn Relays 400m hurdles champion, three time most outstanding performer at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and a three-time All-American. 

Since returning home, the Grand Bahamian native has passed on his knowledge to the younger generation in the formation of the Star Trackers Track Club with his wife, the treasurer and team manager. As the head coach, Charlton has been instrumental in helping to get a number of student-athletes to follow in his footsteps in securing athletic scholarships.

He expressed his gratitude to his former coaches in Grand Bahama Anita Doherty and the late Errol Bodie, veteran national team coach Keith Parker and his Bison coach Moultrie, along with the Bahamas Amateur Association of Athletic Associations for their assistance in his career as a track athlete.

Charlton, 53, graduated from Freeport Anglican High School in Grand Bahama and Howard University in 1985 with a B.Sc. Degree in mechanical engineering. He represented the Bahamas 11 times at the CARIFTA Games and held the meet record in the 400m hurdles for 10 years.

He held the Bahamas junior national record in the 400m hurdles from 1981-2007 and was a NCAA record holder and All-American. Additionally, Charlton competed at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.

Charlton has served as a national coach at all levels from junior to elite from the CARIFTA Games to the IAAF World Championships. His first national sting came at CARIFTA in 2001 and included 2002, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011. His highest achievement as a coach was in 2012 as the head men’s coach at the Olympic Games in London, England.

Now he can sit back and bask in his glory as a Hall of Famer at Howard University.