Pool named for CSC graduate

A native of Newcastle, Wyo., Henry came to Chadron State to play football. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1963 and his master’s degree in 1966, both from CSC.

He joined the physical education faculty at UNI in 1966 and immediately began the men’s swimming and diving program. In 1981, he started the women’s program.

Henry was employed as a professor 38 years at UNI. He received the Missouri Valley Conference’s swimming coach of the year honor seven times. He served on the NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules Committee, Collegiate All-American Swimmer Selection Committee and was a state, district and national swim clinician.

He has received the UNI Alumni Achievement Award and was inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

The dedication program stated that the swimming and diving pool was named in Henry’s honor “to appropriately recognize an outstanding coach, teacher, supporter and contributor to the greater good at the University of Northern Iowa.”

Henry and his wife Karen were crowned “Mr. and Mrs. CSC” at Chadron State during his senior year. The couple lives in Cedar Falls.  

In the summer of 2004, the Henrys were injured in a motorcycle accident near LaCrosse, Wis. The accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. However, he spoke at the ceremonies on Sunday. The Henrys’ three children and three grandchildren also attended.