U of M...Swimming all the way to Beijing
In Play! Magazine
by Colt Rosensweig
When Michael Phelps is seen as “just another person who trains at (the Olympic) level,” you know you’ve got an exceptional collection of swimmers. Men from Michigan’s varsity swim team as well as Club Wolverine made up one of the largest contingents at July’s Olympic Trials in Omaha and three swimmers with Michigan ties represent the United States in Beijing.
It was all part of Michigan coach Bob Bowman’s plan. While other varsity teams place a heavy emphasis on NCAA titles, anyone walking into Canham Natatorium realizes immediately that the Olympics are foremost in Wolverine swimmers’ minds.
The entryway is lined with small flags bearing the names of Michigan swimmers who have become Olympians. Above the doors to the pool are the words: “It’s not every four years. It’s every day.” Hanging above the divers’ warmup trampoline is an electric timer counting down the days until the Opening Ceremonies in Beijing.
A contingent of about 40 swimmers from Ann Arbor—roughly half from the varsity team and half from Club Wolverine, including Phelps—traveled to Omaha for the trials, the culmination of years of hard work.
Some results weren’t too surprising. Phelps qualified for the team in eight events—right on track for his attempt to earn an unprecedented eight gold medals. Peter Vanderkaay, a former captain of Michigan’s swim team, made the team. Both competed in Athens four years ago.
But Scott Spann’s performance was a shock to many—but not to the teammates who have been training with him for the past two years. Though Spann will compete for the University of Texas next year, for the past two he has been a Wolverine, and his University of Michigan teammates were thrilled when he pulled off a victory in the 200-meter breast stroke.
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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=39
