Embedded Files
Swim Team State patch from 1966
Swim Team State Champ Patch
Swim Team State Champ Patch
Donors: Debbie Reed Keefe class of 1968, Sally Sparks Muehlenkamp class of 1970
Authors: Jillian Alverson, Hannah Zilliox, Tevaeh Kallmeyer, class of 2029
Story Contributors: Nancy Jones Barre class of 1970, Debbie Reed Keefe class of 1968
Web Page Designer: Lilly Ahlfeld, class of 2028
The University of Kentucky’s pool sat at the bottom of the natatorium, with rows of stands wrapping around it. As soon as the doors were opened, the chlorine scent was impossible to ignore. This pool was nothing compared to the local YMCA pool the Highlands 1966 team was used to practicing in. The Y only had 4 lanes instead of 6, giving the UK pool a sense of superiority. Debbie Reed Keefe was a sophomore, and this would be her fourth state meet. She was undefeated in 100 freestyle and 50 freestyle thus far. But swimming wasn’t just about each race’s success, it was also about the bond that the team shared.
1966 state medals and swim patch.
“You just got to be a really close group of people and we all rooted for each other. It was a close knit group. And we were together, because we could swim from 7th grade to 12th grade… We got to know each other very well. It was really a close group of people,” Keefe said.
Extracurricular activities have always been an essential part of Highlands culture, and the 1960s were no exception. Many girls, including 8th grader Nancy Jones Barre were involved in several clubs and sports within the school. Among the long list of choices, swimming was a common one. The 1966 girls swim team was a tight knit group, led by Coach Jean Stivers.
Nancy Jones Barre competed in every sport available for girls at Highlands. She was voted most athletic.
“Jean Stivers was the head coach and [a] very dedicated woman who took the swimming to a passion,” said Nancy Jones Barre.
The team was very successful that year, with Debbie herself and her sister Donna breaking two records each. Debbie received three medals that year for her 50 and 100 free. A diver on the team, Mary Jane Stross Laber, won Conference four consecutive years, 65-68. Her points contributed to the swim team’s State win. The girls won the State Championship title from 65-69, and then runners-up in 70, proving their worth.
“The swimming era in the ‘60s was really strong at Highlands. And if you go down to the trophy case you'll see a bunch of state championships,” Barre said. But the team was just as strong outside the pool as they were in it.
The girls grew tight connections due to their constant involvement. Swim practices were before school three times a week, most often at the local Campbell County YMCA. With only 4 lanes, practicing with such a large group was difficult, so practices were built creatively.
“The swimming era in the ‘60s was really strong at Highlands. And if you go down to the trophy case you'll see a bunch of state championships,” Barre said. But the team was just as strong outside the pool as they were in it.
The girls grew tight connections due to their constant involvement. Swim practices were before school three times a week, most often at the local Campbell County YMCA. With only 4 lanes, practicing with such a large group was difficult, so practices were built creatively.
“...we didn’t get to, you know, spread out. A lot of the time we would [do] what they called W’s … [or] a M, where you would go down lane one, and then you would go over and go back lane two, and then you would go back lane three,” said Keefe. “So, you’d make like an M shape. So, that everyone could keep going. And, you’d get out of the pool and back in line and just keep going like that. It was kind of weird, but it worked.”
The team also had a very limited amount of equipment; nothing compared to what's available for modern swim teams. In 1966, there were no goggles, hardly any caps, and only 8 kickboards.
“So, as we were doing our M’s or our W’s, you know, we had to trade off kickboards too and do that.”
Each practice only lasted an hour, giving the team only a short time period each week to improve. Even with limited space, time, and equipment, the girls were still unbeatable.
“Never felt like we weren't getting the best that we could get. We were happy. And our team was really good, I mean, we were really lucky that we won the conference every year and from the 8th grade on, we won the state,” Keefe said.
Any sport, including swimming, always has its pros and cons, and swimming early each morning was certainly seen as a negative. The swimmers would have to rush to school after practice, leaving little time to get ready for the day.
Highlands diver, perfect form.
“Practices were always early morning before school. Like 6:30 to 7:30 at the Y. Cold weather, you'd come out and you wouldn't even have time to dry your hair and all that. By the time you'd get to school there would be like ice on our hair,” said Barre. But there was an upside to early practices: exclusive gear and team unity.
“… we had hats that said, ‘Early morning glory grabbers.’ They said ‘EMGG’.” said Keefe “So, you know, after practice. Everybody would wear a hat. Special hats. It was kind of cool. Everybody knew who we were because we were kind of drippy most of the time. Now, it wasn’t everyday. We would practice I think three days a week. Three mornings a week, so we looked good on Tuesdays and Thursdays…”
1966-1967 Highlands girls swim team.
And among the difficulties that came with swimming, a State meet a few years later proved to be quite the challenge. UK’s pool had turned green, and with that came questions of safety. After the pool was deemed safe, it was also declared unfixable. With no other solutions, the meet would have to continue. However, there was a problem that every swimmer now had to face: swimming with no goggles in a dark green pool.
“I couldn’t decide what to do as far as turns because I kept thinking, especially on the 100 free, I didn't want to miss a turn,” said Keefe
The solution was an open turn rather than a flip turn, because an open turn required less eyesight. Despite the setbacks, Keefe still held her title in both the 100 and 50 freestyle.
“A green, lovely algae pool at UK for the state meet. Not good.”
While the team’s success can be attributed to several factors; strong swimmers, discipline, and an encouraging coach, the relationship the girls shared was essential. Even the best swimmers relied on their teammates for a win.
“...you can't win a state championship with just the good swimmers you needed the support swimmers to get those 7th and 8th places and points here and there,” said Barre
Swimming together through the years built relationships that last a lifetime. Multiple swimmers are still in touch, and others still get together. Even those who haven’t seen each other since they were a team still share fond memories.
“What I like the most is the friendships. Those are my memories. You know you get with people you haven't seen in 30 years and you can go immediately back to, ‘oh you remember when this happened?’” reflected Barre.
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