GAHANNA, Ohio – The boys tennis programs from Bexley High School and Columbus Academy converged on the CA Tennis Courts Thursday afternoon to renew their rivalry and battle in Central Buckeye League competition.
Not only would this match be contested for rivalry bragging rights but a new trophy as well, the Jack Madison Cup.
The trophy honors the late Jack Madison, an Academy alumnus, who passed away in January 2023.
Madison was beloved in both the Bexley and CA communities and is described as a buoyant, energetic young man with a mischievous twinkle who was a full participant in everything he undertook. He was a standout in tennis, earning four varsity letter and served as a team co-captain with his cousin and classmate Arie Tuckerman. The duo were state runners-up twice in doubles, garnering All-Ohio first team honors. In singles competition, Jack helped our Vikings place third in the OTCA state tournament his senior season. He was a true leader on the court.
“He always put a smile on your face,” former Academy Head Tennis Coach Mark Wurtzman told the Columbus Dispatch in a January 2023 interview. “Everybody loved Jack. Players from other teams loved Jack. Jack will never be forgotten. He will be remembered by all his friends, family and coaches and everybody in the Academy community.”
“The family are amazing people,” Wurtzman added. “They are very supportive of Columbus Academy and Columbus Academy athletics.
Playing in beautiful conditions, the Vikings and Lions competed in front of roughly 150 spectators on the Carlin Tennis courts.
Bexley claimed the inaugural Madison Cup, winning 3-2 against Academy. Following the match senior Oscar Ramsden was named “Lion of the Match” by his teammate for outlasting CA junior Jacob Khvalsky and winning (6-4, 3-6, 6-3) in a thrilling three-hour contest.
