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After 62 years in existence and a no-show of interested students for the 2013 season, Millersville University’s Dolphin Synchronized Swim Club has announced that it has come to an end for the time being.
“The Dolphin Club was a very strong women’s sports team here at Millersville University for many years,” said Stacey Irwin, communications professor and faculty advisor for the Dolphin Club. “Back in the earlier days of Millersville University, women were not allowed to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Intramural clubs like the Dolphin Club gave young women an athletic endeavor to focus on and later a skill for competitive sport.”
Irwin notes that she has plans to help commemorate the Dolphin Club. “I have pieced a few things together from the materials I have collected in my time as faculty advisor,” she said. “We are going to transfer some of the show films to the web and try to share the Dolphin Club memorabilia with alumni, so they can enjoy their time in this organization. I am currently looking for a spring intern to help edit a commemorative video to share on YouTube.”
Furthermore, she expresses hope in reviving the club. “The Dolphin Club was a student organization,” said Irwin. “If students were interested in reviving the team, I would definitely try to help with that. I hope we can rebuild the team in the near future.”
The club was founded in 1950 and became known for producing a synchronized swimming show each year. In 1974, the club placed third against 12 colleges in the state, and in 1975-1976 they placed second in that same state competition. In 1978-1986 the club continued to experienced success in state, regional and national meets. Over the years, Dolphin alumni have continued to support and watch the Dolphin Club perform its annual shows, and some of them have even gone on to become synchronized swim coaches at local high schools. The Dolphin Club’s last show was in spring 2012.
6 replies on “Dolphin Synchronized Swim Club Comes to an End”
This is sad! My years at Millersville would not have been the same without the dolphin club! I spent many hours hanging upside down in that pool or applying knox in the locker room!
As a former Dolphin through out high school many years ago. It is sad to hear of it dying off. I am an older student and don’t really get involved around the school but this would have been something I would of made the time for. I loved it but it was loosing interest when I was in it back in High School. I have some of our old memorabilia from high school that shows different programs Mc Caskey did years before I was there. It was so much fun and amazing to do at the same time.
As a former Dolphin, I am so sorry to hear of the lack of interest in synchronized swimming at Millersville. Being a Dolphin was an amazing experience which was open to anyone to enjoy.
So sad to hear that Millersville will no longer have a synchronized swimming team. What a loss to the Millersville community. Synchro is such a great sport! I wish it was recognized more in the community. My daughter swims for the York Synchro-ettes. She loves the sport!
What a bummer for the club! I always greatly admired (and envied!) the grace and athleticism exhibited by the Dolphinettes. Hopefully the next wave of matriculating students will revive the sport. Thanks to Ms Irwin for her dedication.
A wonderful alternative for those who love to swim and exciting to watch is the Millersville’s Water Polo Club! A co-ed team that welcomes any student, regardless of past swimming/water polo experience. If you want to have fun, stay in shape, and/or join a competitive sport, water polo offers all that and more. Come to practice to learn more and try it out!https://involved.millersville.edu/organization/waterpolo
https://www.facebook.com/MillersvilleUniversityClubWaterPolo