TRAFALGAR, Ind. — Indian Creek High School named its natatorium after Chase Smith on Sunday. He's a recent graduate and championship swimmer for the school, who is also battling a terminal cancer diagnosis.
We first introduced you to Smith in 2015 during our 13 Investigates series “Desperate for Answers” focused on childhood cancer rates in Johnson County.
Chase is a Bargersville graduate and is now 19 years old. At 13, he was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare cancer that causes headaches, fatigue and pain.
Sunday’s emotional dedication focused on Chase's legacy and not his cancer. His accomplishments and awards could stretch a mile long, but everyone that knows him said that’s not what defines him.
“If I had one word to describe him, he is a warrior,” Indian Creek High School’s Athletic Director Derek Perry said. “This is something he has been dealing with for years. I couldn’t think of a better word to describe him.”
Family and friends filled the gymnasium as Chase was honored. Brad Smith, Chase’s father, shared stories including the time Chase first learned to swim, saying he hated it and then quickly fell in love.
Brad said Chase not only made him a better father, but he also made him a better coach.
“Chase, there is no one else that deserves this honor more than you,” Brad said.
Chase said the honor was overwhelming and hopes future athletes and swimmers will remember his legacy and try to be a better person because of it.
“When swimmers walk in there, I hope they learn the leader I was and the faith I had in God and ball it up and try to imitate that as a person,” Chase said.
Even with the odds stacked against him, Chase will always be a champion for life.
Last April, Chase's doctors gave him three to five months to live after finding new tumors near his brain. His family is hoping an experimental treatment will help.
Chase also recently got married to his high school sweetheart, Sadie, who is a diver.