Charles McCaffree Jr., known as "Coach Mac", was a collegiate swimmer for Michigan University, and a Hall of Fame Head Coach for Michigan State University from 1941 to 1969, where he led the team to 8 Central Collegiate Conference championships, a National AAU title, and a Big Ten Conference Championship in 1957.

[5][6] McCaffree Jr.'s mother was Ethel May Clough McCaffree, an officer in Sioux Falls's Order of the Eastern Star, a Women's Masonic organization, and daughter of A. F. Clough, the Cannova Security Bank President.

In addition to basketball, he acted as Business Manager for Washington High's Yearbook, the Monogram, and did some editing, preparing him for work as a future Secretary of the Olympic Swim committee, and editor of the NCAA Swimming Guide.

[18][19] He graduated Michigan University, and specializing in freestyle, swam three years for Hall of Fame Coach Matthew Mann from 1927 to 1930, and also played Water Polo.

In March, 1929, he was awarded a monogram for his participation in Michigan's swim team, which was highly competitive.

[21][22] Possibly preparing himself for a future career, during several summer breaks he worked as a lifeguard, and in July 1930 lifeguarded at the Sherman Park pool in Sioux Falls, helping with swimming activities that would later include races.

Graduating in 1930 from Michigan with a B.A., McCaffree was awarded a Teaching Certificate in September of that year after attending the Summer session.

[4] Outstanding Olympic swimmers coached by McCaffree included 1948 semi-finalist Howard Patterson, 1948 freestylist George Hoogerhyde, who qualified but did not compete, 1972 gold medalist Clarke Scholes, 1968 gold and silver medalist Ken Walsh, 1964 backstroke silver medalist Gary Dilley, and 1992 South African 50-meter freestylist Pete Williams.

He later served as the MSU Varsity-Alumni "S" Club manager, continuing to reside in East Lansing, Michigan.

His health had been affected by a stroke earlier in the Fall of 1980, and he had been receiving treatment at an Austin medical facility.