This document provides a summary of the synchronized swimming program called the Aquabelles at Greensboro College from 1960 to 1980. It describes how the program began in 1960 when a student asked the coach William Ariail if a synchronized swimming program could be started. Over the next 20 years the program flourished with many talented swimmers performing in annual water shows. The program ended in 1980 when the college shifted focus to intercollegiate athletics.
3. It was 1959.
A young professor arrives at Greensboro College
ready for a challenge.
4. 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?”
5. “Absodagumlutely! What is it?”
“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!
6. “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.”
20. “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.”
21. 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.
22. But there were many “STARS”
and their light shone both in and out of the pool.
27. 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 on
February 6, 2007. Coach was a man
of great principle and integrity. The
College and the Aquabelles lost a
devoted friend and professor.
28. For four more years
the Aquabelles
didn’t miss a beat.
33. They had fun
but the quality of their work was never compromised.
34. 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?
36. 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.
37. 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?
38. 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?
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. 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.”
