Groveport Madison High School on Friday night honored five alumni and a former coach as the 2025 class of its Athletic Hall of Fame, Principal Jeff Altman said during the induction ceremony. The inductees include Ashley Atkins (Class of 2003), Greg Castle (Class of 2002), Kevin Castle (Class of 2008), Joe (Joey) Eagle (Class of 1991) and former head coach Tom McDonald.

The recognition “is bestowed to those individuals that leave a legacy on our community, their peers, and future generations of cruisers,” Principal Jeff Altman said at the ceremony, framing the evening as a celebration of long-term contributions to Groveport Madison athletics.

The inductees’ remarks and the principal’s introduction emphasized athletic achievement and community ties. Ashley Atkins, introduced as a four-year varsity letterwinner in soccer, basketball and softball who served as captain in all three sports, said she appreciated the honor and the coaches and families who supported athletes. “Thank you for this recognition. It’s a pleasure,” Atkins said.

Greg Castle recalled teammates and local supporters and announced that charitable fundraising tied to his family’s efforts has benefitted cancer research and local soccer: he said the family’s golf outing has raised “right around $55,000” for Pelotonia and that the family had recently donated $2,000 in a teammate’s memory and planned a further $1,000 donation to the Groveport soccer program.

Kevin Castle and Joe Eagle both reflected on how coaches and community shaped their athletic careers. Eagle, who said he now teaches health and physical education in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, credited former coaches with instilling accountability and recounted a yearbook line he still recalls: “The only person that can stop Joe Eagle is Joe Eagle.”

Tom McDonald, introduced as a longtime coach who became Groveport Madison’s head coach in 1983 after earlier assistant and head-coaching positions, spoke about his coaching career, staff and the community support that helped the program reach the OHSAA playoffs in seasons he led the team. McDonald thanked former assistants and players and noted his pride in the program’s improvements during his tenure.

Organizers said the evening also recognized volunteer work behind the scenes. Sharon Mitten, who Altman credited with putting the event together and who the principal said is retiring in February, was singled out for thanks. Attendees were told the inductees would be brought to the field later in the evening for name announcements over the loudspeaker and a family viewing area.

The Hall of Fame presentation included brief details of each inductee’s athletics résumé and community involvement, and the school presented badges that the presenter described as granting free admission to Groveport Madison games. The ceremony was celebratory and personal; speakers repeatedly emphasized character, mentorship and legacy as the central reasons for each selection.

The induction was ceremonial; no policy or board vote was reported at the event. Attendees were invited to stay for post-ceremony recognition on the field and refreshments in the venue.