Even before there was a pool on campus, swimming was
an important part of the college’s curriculum. Early lessons were given at the
downtown Greensboro YWCA facilities, but when the Rosenthal Gymnasium was
completed in 1925, classes were held in the new 25 ft. by 75 ft. swimming pool,
which included a shallow end and separate lanes for lap swimming. The addition
of the pool, strongly endorsed by Mary Channing Coleman, enabled the school to
offer a more convenient on-campus option for students who were interested in the
sport.
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| Dolphin-Seal Club Members, 1946 |
In 1926, the Dolphin Club was formed, boasting six charter members. The
purpose of the group was to help students improve their stroke techniques and
become expert swimmers and divers. To be a Dolphin, a student was required to
pass a rigorous admittance examination which tested “speed and perfection” in
swimming. The successful candidates had to excel in “two strokes for form,
three standard dives, a speed record of two lengths of the pool in 45 seconds
with the crawl, and [swimming] 12 lengths of the pool.” Dolphins met once per
week for practice and to work on earning special badges for swimming
accomplishments. Members also performed yearly “water festivals,” during which
students staged choreographed routines and stunts.
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| Diving Exhibitions by Dolphin-Seal Club Members, ca. 1948 |
In 1930, the Club decided to allow students who were less technically proficient than the “Dolphins” to join. This group of students were called the “Seals” and subsequently, the “Dolphin-Seal Club” was formed. Continuing the tradition of providing elaborate campus entertainments, the Club held yearly events featuring synchronized aquatic performances, as well as technical swimming and diving demonstrations. These elaborately choreographed events included festive and sometimes very elaborate decorations, props, and lighting. Live music was integral to the performances and often became an important part of the annual themes.
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| Club Members Participate in "A Tale of the Toys" (1963) |
Yearly festivities had creative themes, such as
the 1940 pageant “20,000 Leagues under the Sea,” during which student swimmers,
representing “all marine deities and animals,” payed tribute to Neptune, the
god of the sea. “Rhythm Americana,” produced in 1953, guided the audience
through water-based versions of tangos, duets, ballads, and waltzes. The
mid-1950s saw aquatic productions that were less fantastical and more modern,
such the “Underwater Times.” This 1955 pageant program featured “headlines”
such as “Escaped Murderer Captured” and “Democrats vs. Republicans,” and
performances divided into Editorials, Travel, Sports, and Theater. The 1960s
embraced more whimsical themes, including “The Tale of the Toys” (1963) and
“Spring is a New Beginning” (1967). Sadly, by the early 1970s, the Dolphin-Seal
Club was no longer included as a student group in the university’s handbook. Although
UNCG still has a swim team, the Dolphin-Seal is now considered one of the university’s
lost clubs.
