Columbus Academy mourns death of alumnus, tennis standout Jack Madison
Columbus Academy boys tennis coach Marc Wurtzman fondly recalls Jack Madison’s determination and leadership − in the sport and in everyday life.
The 2021 graduate capped his prep career by competing in the Division II individual and team state tournaments as a senior and continued his playing career at Colorado College, where he was a sophomore.
Madison, 20, of Bexley, died in his sleep Jan. 2.
“He always put a smile on your face,” Wurtzman said. “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.”
Madison teamed with Arie Tuckerman, his cousin, to reach the OHSAA state final in doubles in 2021. They lost 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 to Pepper Pike Orange’s Josh Nwaozuzu and Chika Nwaozuzu.
Madison and Tuckerman also finished second in 2019, losing 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 to teammates Suriya Sundaram and Rhian Seneviratne in the state final.
Competing in singles, Madison helped lead Academy to a third-place finish in the OTCA team state tournament in his senior season. Madison and Tuckerman were named to ThisWeek’s Super 12 team that season.
Madison enjoyed success despite playing the second half of the season with a hernia, which forced him to serve underhand. He underwent surgery after the season.
“He played a season in pain and just battled through it for the team,” Wurtzman said.
Wurtzman said he has received several messages of support from throughout the Columbus-area tennis community.
In a news release from Colorado College, tennis coach Anthony Weber said: "Jack was one of the most friendly and respectful student-athletes we have had in our program. We will miss his selflessness and positive influence. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family as they cope with this tragic news."
Madison’s sister, Marissa, is a 2017 graduate of Columbus School for Girls, where she was a two-time state qualifier in tennis. She went on to play at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, before graduating in 2021.
“The family are amazing people,” Wurtzman said. “They are very supportive of Columbus Academy and Columbus Academy athletics. Jack was a lifer at Academy. He started in pre-school. It’s disheartening, it’s horrible.”
Contributions in Madison’s memory can be made to the Jack Madison Fund for Students in Need, c/o Columbus Academy, 4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. A fund in Madison’s name also is being set up to help support underserved youth play tennis.
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Former Columbus Academy tennis player Jack Madison dies at 20
