The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? alist, didn't change me as a person, but it changed the way people per- ceived me. In swimming, that is the pinnacle of the sport. It's a bench- mark that every competitive swim- mer aspires for. "I've tried to remain humble. I un- derstand there is not a lot of differ- ence between me and the third-best swimmer in the U.S. except finishing top two I made the Olympics and he didn't, but I know that making the team gives you a certain respect — people identify you as one of the best swimmers in the world, and that's an honor." The second of four brothers to swim at Michigan, joining Christian (2001-05), Alex (2005-08) and Dane (2009-12), Vanderkaay fell in love with the pool at an early age — en- couraged by parents that both had swimming backgrounds — and stuck with it during those transitional teen- age years when some rebel and aban- don childhood pursuits. "All four of us had a little bit of talent, which always helps when you're putting in that many hours," Vanderkaay said. "It's a grind, so when you have success it definitely keeps you motivated." Peter arrived at U-M two years af- ter Christian, and he remembers the intimidation factor of swimming next to former NCAA All-Americans and Olympians Tom Malchow and Chris Thompson, who trained in Ann Ar- bor as part of Club Wolverine. "I realized I needed to raise my game quickly, and competing with those guys every day, my times were getting faster and faster, and I thought I might just have a good career at Michigan," he said. Bob Bowman became Vanderkaay's coach in 2004, and very quickly figured out that the Rochester Hills, Mich., na- tive was special. "Peter was one of most conscien- tious swimmers I have had the plea- sure to coach," said Bowman, who brought Michael Phelps to U-M in a volunteer coaching capacity. "He came to the pool each day and gave a maxi- mum effort regardless of the situation. "He was very even-keeled in his de- meanor, never too high or too low. This very healthy attitude towards competi- tion, and life, was no doubt a result of his strong family background and les- sons learned from his parents. He was a true role model, and his family has played a tremendous role in Michigan swimming history." In his rookie season, Vanderkaay earned his first Big Ten individual title, claiming first place in the 500- yard freestyle. He would defend that event's championship each of his next three seasons, and would finish his U-M career with 10 conference victories. "It was surreal to win that first one because I beat some people I had never beaten before and suddenly I found myself at the top of the Big Ten," he said. "It's fun to have that early suc- cess, but you realize you've got three more years and now you're going to be the hunted. "As a competitor, you either find a way to keep pushing yourself or you get passed by, and I wanted more."