Archived Abstracts

Lynchburg College Swimming Team 1950-1973

Location

Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center

Access Type

Campus Access Only

Entry Number

45

Start Date

4-8-2020 12:00 PM

End Date

4-8-2020 1:15 PM

Department

Sports Management

Abstract

The mission of Lynchburg College shaped the culture of the school and its expectations of the students and faculty alike. Over several decades the school saw extensive growth and changes during the early to mid-twentieth century that were, to some, perceived “ahead of the times”. Athletics played a major role in the school’s development, and the men's and women's swimming teams were an indication of Lynchburg College’s movement towards progressiveness by advocating for women in athletics and academics. This poster presentation traces the history of the Lynchburg College Swimming Team, 1950-1973, and conveys its impact and relation to the greater surrounding Lynchburg area.

The original Lynchburg College swimming team, despite a relatively unsuccessful career in the pool, embodied the unique culture of the institution. Lynchburg administrators voted to form the men’s team in 1950, and introduced the women’s Hornettes in 1966. Swimmers competed in the pool located under the Memorial Gymnasium (now present day Memorial Ballroom) in the Mason-Dixon Conference. Although the Lynchburg College teams did not excel in the pool, several swimmers produced individual school and conference records. Ultimately, however, administrators removed the program after the 1973 season because of funding and lack of available coaching staff. The history of Lynchburg swimming illustrates the importance of athletics at a small, DIII liberal arts institution for both men and women alike.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Lindsay Pieper

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Apr 8th, 12:00 PM Apr 8th, 1:15 PM

Lynchburg College Swimming Team 1950-1973

Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center

The mission of Lynchburg College shaped the culture of the school and its expectations of the students and faculty alike. Over several decades the school saw extensive growth and changes during the early to mid-twentieth century that were, to some, perceived “ahead of the times”. Athletics played a major role in the school’s development, and the men's and women's swimming teams were an indication of Lynchburg College’s movement towards progressiveness by advocating for women in athletics and academics. This poster presentation traces the history of the Lynchburg College Swimming Team, 1950-1973, and conveys its impact and relation to the greater surrounding Lynchburg area.

The original Lynchburg College swimming team, despite a relatively unsuccessful career in the pool, embodied the unique culture of the institution. Lynchburg administrators voted to form the men’s team in 1950, and introduced the women’s Hornettes in 1966. Swimmers competed in the pool located under the Memorial Gymnasium (now present day Memorial Ballroom) in the Mason-Dixon Conference. Although the Lynchburg College teams did not excel in the pool, several swimmers produced individual school and conference records. Ultimately, however, administrators removed the program after the 1973 season because of funding and lack of available coaching staff. The history of Lynchburg swimming illustrates the importance of athletics at a small, DIII liberal arts institution for both men and women alike.