1960 – 1980

Greensboro CollegeAquabelles

THE STORY BEGINS . . .

It was 1959.

A young professor arrives at Greensboro Collegeready for a challenge.

One year later, he gets his challenge when a young co-ed comes to his office and asks “Coach, do you think we can start a synchronized swimming program at Greensboro College?”

“Absodagumlutely! What is it?”“Absodagumlutely!

“It’s water ballet.”

“What! Do you wear tutus?”

“No Coach. Let us show you.”

And so they did and the Aquabelle program was begun at Greensboro College – In a big way!

“The Greensboro College swimming club was organized in the fall of ’60. The Aquabelles, meeting weekly with their coach, Mr. William Ariail, prepared several water shows, including a special show for the Fall Parents’ Weekend. In February, officers of the club participated in a symposium at the University of Tennessee, for which they received top honors. The highlight of the year was the televising of the Aquabelles’ spring water show presented in May.”

- 1962 Echo (edited)

You bohunk! What the

sam hills are you doing?

And then it was …

1961 – 62

1962 – 63

1963 – 64

1964 – 65

1965 – 66

1966 – 67

1967 – 68

1968 – 69

1969 – 70

1970 – 71

1971 – 72

“Who? Are you telling me that twin co-eds who were junior world synchronized swimming champs have enrolled at Greensboro College? You got to be kidding.”

It was true and for four years “Miss Mary” Brock fought against fainting and heart attacks when the Wulff girls stayed too long under water.

But there were many “STARS”

and their light shone both in and out of the pool.

1972 – 73

1973 – 74

1974 – 75

1975 – 76

The 1976 Aquabelles would be the last club coached by Mr. Ariail. He took early retirement from Greensboro College and along with wife, Sarah, moved to Little River, South Carolina where he would reside in his dream home watching the boats go up and down the river until his death onFebruary 6, 2007. Coach was a manof great principle and integrity. TheCollege and the Aquabelles lost adevoted friend and professor.

For four more years the

Aquabelles didn’t miss a

beat.

1976 – 77

1977 – 78

1978 – 79

1979 – 80

They had fun

but the quality of their work was never compromised.

We were moving into the 3rd decade of Aquabelle history and the College had changed

its focus. The Modern Dance Club had been incorporated into a ballet program conducted

by Joann Westbrook.

Intramurals were also vanishing – Remember the Trojans – Trojanettes,

Hornet –Hornets, Wolverines – Wolverinettes, and

Spartan – Spartanettes? 

And the Aquabelles light went out in 1980

The Athletic Program at Greensboro College now included intercollegiate basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, swimming and cross country and required more students to field teams, greater demands on facilities and additional support personnel. One era had ended, another had begun.

Who would have believed when the Aquabelles program was discontinued in 1980 that just a few years later, synchronized swimming would become a part of the Olympic Games?

Who would have believed that 51 years after the Aquabelles were formed in 1960 that members of that group would be returning to Greensboro in November 2011 to see the tryouts for the USA women’s 2012 Olympic synchronized swim team competition at the Aquatic Center in Greensboro?

Who would have believed that 20 years of Aquabelles clubs would be represented here today, a little bit older but a lot wiser, perhaps not as agile and possibly not as attractive in a bathing suit, celebrating our talent, our friendships and our appreciation for the college and people who helped shape our lives.

And who would have believed 52, 51, 50…..40, 39, 38……32 years later that we, the members of the Aquabelles would be back where it all started – Greensboro College finding out that a program WE created and sustained for 20 years could be one of the most defining and historic programs perhaps ever at Greensboro College.

The last word goes to the young professor and Coach who came to Greensboro College in 1959. “Young ladies, you’re just like Post Toasties, just a little bit better. Those were really some humdinger shows you performed over the years. Congratulations Aquabelles! And thanks for the memories.”