By Theresa Garee
Staff Writer
Groveport Madison High School swim team athletes were recently recognized by the Columbus Urban League and awarded the Urban Legend Award.
The Urban Legend award was created by the Urban League to “uplift and empower” those who are doing great things in the urban community regardless of their race and socio-economic standings, explained Olethea Waugh, assistant director of the Columbus Urban League.
Groveport Madison’s Spencer Keane and Trevor Keane, who are brothers, and teammates Carl Giddens and Jordan Murphy are believed to be one of the first of two all-black relay swim teams to make it to the district finals at the Central Ohio District swim meet. Whether the Cruisers are officially the first all-black team to qualify cannot be confirmed as the Ohio High School Athletic Association does not keep record of qualifying teams based on race.
“We are very proud of these young men,” said Groveport Madison High School Athletic Director Steve Petros. “Our program is very young and we compete against a lot of teams that have years and years of experience. Our coaches have done a great job with these young men who accept coaching very well. It was great to see them honored by the Columbus Urban League. They have represented Groveport Madison High School as well as any athletes we have.”
The swimmers’ accomplishments were accompanied by the team’s ability to shave a full second off from their relay time. They qualified for the district meet with a 1:43:38 time and at district meet they swam the freestyle relay in 1:42:23.
“The relay didn’t come in first place at either meet, but they dropped a second from their previous best time. In swimming, dropping time is sometimes just as exciting as winning your heat or race,” said Groveport Madison Swim Coach Kathleen Kling said.
