Kent resident and Tallmadge native Cathy Sipka- Spicer was recently inducted into the Youngstown State Athletics Hall of Fame for her stellar swimming career from 1982-1986. Ceremonies were conducted on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at the Kilcawley Center on the campus of Youngstown State University.

Cathy was one of eight inductees for the Class of 2009. She is just the third women's swimmer to be inducted into the YSU Hall of Fame. She was a seven-time All-American swimmer in the mid-1980's when the Penguins were a Division II power. As a distance swimmer she set the school standards in the 500-yard, 1000-yard, and 1650-yard freestyle events. Her times in these events stood the test of time for 20-25 years. Her relay team records in the 200-free, 400-free, and 800-free also stood for 21-25 years.

Upon her graduation, Cathy became the first female student athlete in YSU history to earn a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. She earned this distinction by maintaining a 3.0 GPA and earning various honors as a member of the varsity team. She earned her degree from YSU in Food and Nutrition. Cathy graduated from Tallmadge High School where she was an all-state swimmer.

Cathy met her husband Mike Spicer while at Youngstown State. Mike played high school football for the Massillon Tigers and played football at Youngstown State. Cathy and Mike have been married for 21 years and have lived in Kent since 1998. They have three boys: Justin who just graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 2009 and is playing baseball at Tiffin University, Corey, an 8th grader at Stanton Middle School, and Nicholas, a 5th grader at Davey Elementary.

Cathy is a swim instructor, lifeguard, and swim coach for the Akron General Health and Wellness Center in Stow and the WaterWorks Summer Swim Club in Cuyahoga Falls. Swimming is and always will be a part of her life.