Grinnell College Athletics

Robert Madgett '58. The success of Robb Madgett, champion diver, exemplifies in spectacular fashion a doctrine of pure liberal arts athletics - the door is open to any student with interest, latent talent and determination to succeed. Without previous sports experience, the Omaha, Neb. native demonstrated at Grinnell how the combination of native ability and hard work can pay big dividends. Robb was a fast learner. In his first competition as a sophomore he won the Midwest Conference one-meter title , helping Coach Irv Simone's men take the team championship. As a junior Madgett repeated as one-meter champion and set a new league record by scoring 168 points. This performance earned him the most valuable swimmer/diver award. Robb underwent back surgery in 1958 and was unable to dive as a senior. In a relatively short career he had left his mark among Grinnell's top divers. His compact build and athleticism served him well as divers had to ascend into a recessed area in the old pool ceiling. An English-journalism double major, Robb stayed close to athletics in other ways - as a campus sportswriter, football team manager, and pep club member. Following graduation, Madgett worked for the Hastings Daily Tribune as sports editor. In 1969 he joined the Hertz Corporation from which he retired in 1998 as vice president of airport relations.