May SW Magazine A Voice for the Sport: Charles Keating Jr. & His Bitter Fruit

PHOENIX, Arizona, May 5. THE May 2014 issue of Swimming World Magazine is now available for download to Total Access Subscribers!

On Page 6 of Swimming World Magazine is A Voice for the Sport: Charles Keating Jr. & His Bitter Fruit.

Charles Keating Jr., passed away on March 31. His legacy within the sport of swimming will be forever polarized between those in Cincinnati, Ohio, who benefited from the construction of the Keating Natatorium, and those in Phoenix, Ariz., who benefited from his construction of the Phoenix Swim Club.

The Keating Natatorium was constructed in the 1970s with donations from Keating’s successful businesses in Ohio. The Phoenix Swim Club facility was constructed in the late 1980s from Keating’s illegal banking and construction activities.

It is somewhat ironic that the Phoenix Swim Club facility ended its life the same day that Keating passed away. Maybe it is divine justice. And maybe it is equally fitting that the Keating Natatorium in Cincinnati continues to thrive. I have benefited from both spectrums of Keating’s influence—first as a member of the Cincinnati Marlins, who practiced at the Keating Natatorium, and later as a member of the original coaching staff for the Phoenix Swim Club.

On both ends, Keating’s vision for the sport of swimming had no peers. His support for facilities, programs and coaches produced multiple world-class athletes and Olympians over four decades. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, a trip through Cincinnati and the Keating Natatorium was a rite of passage to elite competition. In the late ’80s through the 2000s, the Phoenix Swim Club—built by Keating—was the place to train under blue skies and palm trees.

It might be hard to believe, but Keating’s influence was beyond money. He set high goals for those he surrounded, and he expected those goals to be achieved. He had no patience for second best.

When I think of Charlie Keating, I am reminded of the famous words from Poet Robert Browning, who said, “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp.”

Keating always set goals higher than his own grasp. That, in a nutshell, is the simplest description of this complex man. The fact that he took huge risks with other people’s money will forever be unforgivable. It was wrong that those risks hurt many people. But within the realm of sports, Keating was right to inspire others to take huge risks and set goals that exceeded their grasp.

Although his inspiration within swimming will never outweigh the financial loss for those who suffered from his collapsed financial empire, it is important to remember that there was much good that Keating generated during his life in the sport of swimming.

One thing nobody can ever argue is that the aquatic facilities that Keating built changed a lot of people’s lives for the better.

Those who wish to donate in Keating’s memory can do so to St. Xavier in Cincinnati for the benefit of Keating Natatorium:

St. Xavier High School – Keating Natatorium
600 W. North Bend Road
Cincinnati, OH 45224
Attn: Development Office

(By Brent T. Rutemiller)

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Curious about what you’ll find inside the May issue of Swimming World Magazine? Watch this month’s Inside Swimming World video to find out!

May Swimming World Magazine Table of Contents:
On The May Cover 2014 Women’s NCAA Div. I Champions Georgia
Swimmer of the Meet Brittany MacLean helped Georgia win its second straight and sixth overall team title at the women’s NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving Championships. The Canadian sophomore won both distance freestyles, upsetting Cal’s Missy Franklin with an NCAA record in the 500 yard free and breaking the NCAA mark in the 1650 by nearly 10 seconds. (See story, page 18 and 21.) (Photo by Peter H. Bick)

10 An Olympian’s Gude to Backstroke Starts by Jeff Commings
Matt Grevers knows how to make the most of his backstroke start, making sure he’s one of the leaders when he breaks out at the 15-meter mark.

14 The Key is Having Fun by Michael J. Stott
Swimming World provides a parent’s guide to picking the best age group program for your child.

16 Swimming Technique Misconceptions: Butterfly Hand Path by Rod Havriluk

18 We Didn’t See That Coming! by Jason Marsteller
In its college preview issue, Swimming World claimed Cal was a lock to win this year’s women’s NCAA Division I Team title-especially with freshman superstar Missy Franklin leading the way. Instead, Georgia dominated in winning its second straight and sixth overall championship.

21 Brittany MacLean’s Favorite Sets by Jeff Commings

26 More than Meets the Eye by Jeff Commings
In its college preview issue, Swimming World claimed Cal was a lock to win this year’s women’s NCAA Division I Team title-especially with freshman superstar Missy Franklin leading the way. Instead, Georgia dominated in winning its second straight and sixth overall championship.

31 Can Anyone Beat These Guys by Jason Marsteller
The same five schools-Drury, Emory, Kenyon, Oklahoma Baptist and Indian River State College-repeated as national champions in their respective NCAA Divisions II and III, NAIA and NJCAA women’s and men’s meets. Leading the group was Drury’s men-who earned their 10th straight DII title-and Indian River, which captured its 33rd womans and 40th men’s NJCAA championships!

34 Top 10 Triumphs & Tragedies by Chuck Warner
Beginning in its April issue and continuing monthly through January 2015, Swimming World Magazine is counting down the top 10 triumphs and tragedies in the history of swimming. This month: #9 Rick DeMont-Robbed of Two Olympic Gold Medals.

37 Dryside Training: Underwater Speed by J.R. Rosania
Here are four exercises using a TRX Suspension trainer that can help with your underwaters. You will strengthen your core and low back as well as your hamstrings.

38 Ask Dr. Shannon by Shannon McBride
Here are are three hip-opening stretches designed for people who sit the majority of the day.

39 Nutrition: Eating Just Enough
Republished with permission of VeloPress from “Racing Weight Cookbook: Lean, Light Recipes for Athletes”

40 Q&A with Coach Bruce Gemmell by Michael J. Stott

41 How They Train Nation’s Capital Swim Team (Georgetown Prep Site) Middle Distance Group by Michael J. Stott

DEPARTMENTS
06 A Voice for the Sport
44 Up & Comers
45 Gutter Talk
46 Parting Shot

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