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Nancy Galvich

Contact me at: ngalvich@njb98.com

NIEGEL HENRY ALLEN

 I began diving at Rivi in approximately 1955 and retired in 1961.  The last year was spent at IU with Hobie Billingsly. At that time the universities didn't have women's events so I trained trampoline, sand pit and 1, 3, and 10 meters with 13 guys.  I did place 3rd several times in the Nationals and 4th in the Olympic tryouts.  Made a fool of my self in the 1956 tryouts; hit so flat that I didn't even get wet.  After my first year, I don't remember losing a city or state title for both 1 meter and 3 meters.  The most I enjoyed about 10 meters was sitting up there watching the swimming at Shakamak State Park. 

The funniest event was sitting on the tower when Bill Cass' string in his suit broke - everyone thought he had a cramp and was drowning but in reality, he was trying to retrieve his suit from around his ankles. 

I also remember your dad entering me in swimming events to gain points.  Too bad I wasn't much of a swimmer; I am surprised that I made some of those 100 meter lengths - especially butterfly.

Now, I only swim occasionally in my backyard pool and primarily confine my water activities to showers.

I wonder if today's swimmers and divers have as much fun and so many good memories as we.
Added Information
You have me as number 13.  Thirteen has always been my lucky number since I was diving...seemed to do well competing in that starting position.  I married one of the 13 men that I trained with at IU and he gave me two wonderful children.  Unfortunately he lost his life in Viet Nam and neither children remember him as they were so young.

My greatest achievement has been rearing two children who are wonderful, successful and loving.  Both have earned their Masters Degree - one in Business Administration and the other in Marketing.  My daughter oversees a Division for Sprint Publishing and my son runs a company in Japan.  Both have been involved in sports - not water related.  My son was the captain for Carmel High School and played one year of NHL hockey until he decided that most of the players were "animals" and went back to school.  My daughter was the starting goalie for Carmel High School for three years and then went on to softball where she was on college and then senior National winning teams (good hands).

I have been in Management Consulting for 25 years.  I was Vice President of an international consulting organization and then had my own consulting business.  I am now retired and hate it...no challenges.  I have had the opportunity to travel 4 continents and to live and work in Australia. I love Paris in the - well, anytime.  Guess I got the "travel bug" from our years of competition.

The pool picture of Johnny reminded me of the first road trip I took with Rivi.  I did not recognize your father as it was the first time I had seen him in clothes.

I will post another picture of me...it was taken in Japan during a monsoon.  Actually, it was 9/11 and we watched the disaster that night on CNN as Japan is 14 hours ahead of the US.

Niegel can be reached at :  NhAllen1@aol.com