Kevin Croll (1977 – 2001) was the oldest son of Ken and Patricia Croll. His brief life demonstrated his love for life. From his childhood he was interested in nature. He enjoyed the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He enjoyed camping, being outdoors and learning about plants and animals.
He graduated from LaSalle High School in Cincinnati and Xavier University. While at Xavier his focus shifted to Ornithology, or the study of birds. Kevin became an avid Birder who carefully noted each new species he saw. Kevin took several trips just to have a chance to see new bird species.
Kevin was self-motivated and eager to learn. When he became interested in a subject he wouldn’t rest until he had grasped as much information as possible.
While still in High School Kevin began to volunteer at the Cincinnati Zoo. He began in the Children’s Zoo and enjoyed interacting with all the animals and visitors. Eventually Kevin became a Zoo employee and began to lead group tours of the Zoo and give talks away from the Zoo to various groups.
Kevin also worked at the Cincinnati Museum Center in their nature/ecology exhibits.
However, Kevin was not “all work and no play” by any means. He loved to party and dance. His High School Spanish classes were put to good use as he loved to party at Latino clubs around town.
1996 Summer Olympics
On a family trip to Florida, Kevin looked out of the car at Atlanta as it prepared for the 1996 Summer Olympics. He decided right there that he would attend the Olympics — somehow. And, by golly he did it. He saved his money and took his old Honda Civic on a road trip. He ended up camping in Atlanta in the back yard of someone he met at Xavier. Now Kevin was hooked. He wanted to see every Olympics, regardless of where they were being held.
2000 Summer Olympics
Of course the next Olympics would be in 2000 in Australia — clear across the world! But that didn’t stop Kevin. Once again he saved his money, made his travel plans, and off he went.
This website presents the journal Kevin kept while he was on his travels to Australia, his walkabout, the Olympics and his return.