Ohio's Top 50 Athletes of the Decade: No. 35 Chris Ash

Today we continue the countdown of JJHuddle's “Top 50 Ohio High School Athletes of the Decade” for 1999-2009. Every Monday through Friday from now until March 26, a new athlete will be released.

Today's entry did something that no one else in state history has - ever.

35. Chris Ash, Akron Firestone, Swimming, 2001-2005: Since its inception in 1928, the boys state swimming championships have only had one male swimmer win an event all four years – and that is Ash. At the 2005 tournament, Ash recorded the remarkable feat by setting a state meet and state record in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 54.70. That’s still the sixth fastest time ever in the U.S. in the event. Overall, Ash was a 14-time H.S. All-American and helped Firestone win a national championship in 2002. He went on to a successful career at Stanford and internationally.

COMPLETE COUNTDOWN

Honorable Mention

50. Daequan Cook, Dayton Dunbar, Basketball, 2002-2006

49. Maurice Hall, Columbus Brookhaven, Football, 1997-2001

48. Erick Howard, North Canton Hoover, Football, 2006-2010

47. Jared Sullinger, Columbus Northland, Basketball, 2006-2010

46. Marc Sylvester, Cleveland St. Ignatius, Track,  1997-2001

45. Collin Palmer, Lakewood St. Edward, Wrestling, 2005-2009

44. Dustin Schlatter, Graham/Massillon Perry, Wrestling, 2001-2005

43. Cachet Murray, Girard, Track, 2002-2005

42. Jantel Lavender, Cleveland Central Catholic, Basketball, 2003-2007

41. Whitney Meyers, Cincinnati St. Ursula, Swimming, 1999-2003

40. Lance Palmer, Lakewood St. Edward, Wrestling, 2002-2006

39. Harry Lester, Cuy. Valley Shristian Academy, Wrestling, 1997-2001

38. O.J. Mayo, North College Hill, Basketball, 2003-2006

37. Michelle Munoz, Mason, Girls Basketball, 1997-2001

36. Maurice Clarett, Warren Harding, Football, 1997-2001