Q&A:
Name: Glenn Allen
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1993
Events:
Men and Women’s Swimming and Diving Team Manager
Degree:
BA in Physical Education and Psychology and a Concentration in Health (UNCW 1993)
Master’s in Religious Education (Jacksonville Theological Seminary 1996)
Occupation:
North Carolina Army National Guard (Medic 1981-1987)
Retail Sales, Currently Retired on Medical Disability
Current residence: Wilmington NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
There were so many great memories with the UNCW Swimming and Diving program. I remember when the UNCW Women’s team beat ECU and Women’s Team sang Respect. I remember when the Men’s team came close to their first Conference championships and going to Easterns in Cleveland, Ohio and Christmas training in Atlanta Georgia.
The best part was just being around Coach Dave Allen and Coach Ellington and Al and Frank and all my great Teammates. The Meets and everything were great but spending time with both teams outside of the pool was very important.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Coach Dave Allen would celebrate every achievement. It could be a Personal Record or a team record or Pool Record or someone becoming a Conference or Eastern’s Championship Coach Allen also was an encourager. I loved how he treated everyone as an individual. That was being a great role model.
That carries on today with the Alumni that has graduated from UNCW, and it continues through Coach Bobby leading the current Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I am Currently a Deacon at my Church; I worked in Retail sales until I retired on Medical Disability.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
David Allen Natatorium, UNCW Student Union, and Swim Team Parties
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“It’s a great day to be a Seahawk!”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
To the current Swimmers and Divers enjoy your experiences. Enjoy spending time with your teammates. It is important to train hard and to be disciplined in your studies and training. It is also important to spend time with your family as well. You also have a chance to learn from your Coaches,
To the Seniors I would say soak in everything you can from your Senior year. You will be graduating soon and will either be entering the work force or continuing higher education.
You will be a very important part of the UNCW Swimming and Diving Alumni. it is important to maintain contact with your teammates as well as to be involved with the Alumni. You will be joining the legacy of the history of UNCW Swimming and Diving. Being a part of the family of UNCW Swimming and Diving. Coach Dave Allen started a great program but more importantly a Swimming and Diving Family.