SPEEDWAY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Today, we celebrate Jack Barrett, a senior swimmer at Speedway. Jack and his teammates open Sectional competition today at Decatur Central. It will be a tough challenge for the Sharkplugs but Jack is used to staring down huge challenges. “I was born with congenital hip dysplasia and had reconstructive surgeries on both hips in my sophomore year,” said Barrett. “It took a lot of time and hard work to overcome that and become the swimmer I am now.” During his swimming career at Speedway, Jack has earned over twenty types of awards at the ICC, County, and Sectional tournaments in addition to being named a two-time Mental Attitude Award winner as well as earning the team’s Most Improved Award. “Jack has always been a very hardworking individual and I have also seen how he perseveres through extreme adversity,” said swimming coach Kylie Keevy. “He pushed through pain and rehab and continued to be a leader in the classroom and in the pool. Many younger athletes look up to him and he demonstrates kindness, acceptance, grit, drive, and leadership on a daily basis.” “Swimming is not only one of the most challenging and rewarding sports out there, it teaches mental grit and discipline,” noted Barrett. “Coach Keevy has taught he how to be determined and how to keep myself going despite rough conditions or circumstances. She’s prepared me for the world better than anyone else.” “I am proud of the young man that Jack has become and he has a bright future ahead of him,” said Keevy. Jack is the son of Laura Barrett and has a sister (Faith). While undecided on where he wants to go to college, he is interested in studying aerospace engineering and also continuing to swim at the club level.