A Great History

The Clippers began when Mr. David Webb, the newly appointed Aquatics Director for the Kenton County Schools and former teacher/swim coach at Dixie Heights High School, envisioned a competitive swim team consisting of local swimmers from Northern Kentucky. He wanted to provide the youth of Northern Kentucky the opportunity to be involved in a top-notch competitive swim team with a skilled coaching staff and challenging practices and meet schedules.

David’s dream was realized in 1979 with the opening of the new Scott High School. Under his direction and guidance, the Clippers began with the first coaching staff consisting of Mary Lou Berling (who remained with the team until 1998!), Jim Lutz, and Jim Schuler, and the first 85 Clippers.

The name for the team was selected from entries in a "name the team" contest where Melissa Leuke was awarded for her entry, "Kenton County Clippers." In 1999, the team name was changed to "Northern Kentucky Clippers Swimming" to reflect the true geographical area from which the majority of our swimmers come and to reflect the expansion to our new home at the Silverlake The Family Place.