Georgia Tech men's and women's head swimming and diving coach Seth Baron was named United States head coach for the 17th World Maccabiah Team, announced by Jordan Weinstein, chairman of the committee, on Monday afternoon.

"We're thrilled with the appointment of Seth Baron as the head swim coach and we are looking forward to working together as we build the largest and best U.S. Maccabiah team ever," said Weinstein.

"Being named to coach for your country is special and is something that does not come around everyday," said Baron. "This is an honor and a privilege to represent the United States as well as Jewish athletes, during a time when Israel needs our support the most. Each experience with the Maccabiah Games is different, yet very special. Working with the young Jewish athletes and exposing them to their religion, while in Israel is fantastic."

The Maccabiah Games will run from July 11-21, 2005, in Israel. The International Olympic Committee recognizes the Maccabiah Games.

Baron will be entering his third stint as the head coach for the U.S. team. In 1997, he led the U.S. to 40 medals (12 Gold, 17 Silver, 11 Bronze) in the fourth largest international competition that year. At the 2001 games, Baron tutored Olympic Gold Medallist Lenny Krayzelburg. Baron also served as an assistant coach in 1993.

As a competitor in the 1985 Maccabiah Games, Baron set records in the 400 medley relay and the 200 individual medley in the 12th Annual Games. He competed in eight different events for the U.S. team and racked up a total of six Gold medals and one Silver medal. Baron's six medals tied a record set by Mark Spitz and Mitch Gaylord for the most medals in a single Maccabiah Games en route to being named Athlete of the Games.