UM Swimmer Matt Gribble Honored in Street Dedication Ceremony

June 2, 2005

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The corner of SW 117th Ave. and 128 St. was renamed Matthew O. Gribble Street Thursday morning in honor of the late University of Miami swimmer and Olympian.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson presided over the unveiling ceremony that was attended by Gribble’s son Trahern, his companion of over 10 years, Jeanne Roppill, UM Hall Of Fame Swim Coach Bill Diaz, current Miami swimming coach Mariusz Podkoscielny among many family and friends.

Jeanne Roppill speaks at the ceremony alongside Gribble’s son Trahern. Former UM swim coach, Bill Diaz (left) and Gribble’s former teammate Kurt Wennits (right) look on.

“I swam with Matt three out of the four years that he was at UM,” said Gribble’s former teammate Kurt Wennits, who spoke at the ceremony. “Matt didn’t have a lot to say but he did it in the pool with his actions and really lifted everybody else up around him.”

Gribble died in a fatal automobile accident near The Falls on March 21, 2004 at the age of 41.

“Matt was always worried that people didn’t care about him or look up to him,” said Roppill. “He was very humble and private and I see today that a lot of people did care about him. I feel like he is with me everyday. And I’m sure that he is watching us now and that he happy to see us here today. “

Considered on of the most decorated athletes to ever swim for the Hurricanes, Gribble, a native of Miami, was a two-time NCAA champion (1982, 1983) and a four-time All-American (1981-84) in the 100-meter butterfly while at UM. He set four school records including the school mark in the 100-meter butterfly that still stands today. Gribble was inducted into the University of Miami Hall of Fame in 1997.

Gribble’s son Trahern and his mom Jeanne Roppill hold Gribble’s street sign

A two-time Olympian, Gribble was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, which did not compete due to an American boycott in Moscow, and a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. He won the 1982 World Championships in the 100-meter butterfly and held the world record in the event until 1984. He was also a member of the 1982 World Championships gold medal 400-meter medley relay team.

“This is a wonderful occasion and event to commemorate one of the members of our Hurricane family,” said Podkoscielny after the ceremony. “I think that everyone at the University of Miami has heard about Matt Gribble and his accomplishments at UM and in swimming in particular. I think that Matt set an example for all of us for how to live our everyday lives and how to be the best possible student-athletes. I know that I will continue to use Matt for guidance as far as coaching at Miami. My only regret is that I never had a chance to meet him in person.”