Note: This is an experimental series covering one male senior from each Big Ten school, and it provides a quick bio along with a brief questionnaire about the lead-up to conference. Some of the questions will remain consistent across all of the seniors while others will be more personalized. Two schools will be covered each day starting today until the day before Big Tens, and the order will be in reverse of placing at last year’s Big Ten meets (i.e. 10th place team first, 9th place team second…1st place team last). The purpose of this series is to serve as a tribute for each of these men, and if it is well-received, perhaps it can be expanded to women and other conferences in the future!
After the loss of Jacob Jarzen to graduation last year, it seemed like the Spartans would have some difficulty finding a swimmer to rally around in the 2013-14 season. After all, Jarzen holds the school record in the 100 free, 200 free, 100 back, 200 back, 100 fly, and 200 IM, and he was also a multiple-time All-American. However, despite the weakening of the Spartans with Jarzen’s loss, the Spartans have found new life largely due to the emergence of their new go-to butterflier, Bryan Williams.
Williams ranks in the all-time top 10 in Michigan State history in 4 different events, including 3rd all time in the 100 butterfly and 2nd all time in the 200 butterfly. At last year’s Big Ten Championships, Williams placed 17th in the 100 butterfly (48.10), and he also placed 13th in the 200 butterfly (1:47.10). He also provided key splits in the 200 medley relay (19.65 anchor leg), 800 freestyle relay (1:36.79 second leg), and 400 yard medley relay (46.83 fly leg). Outside of collegiate competition, Williams also competed at the 2013 US World Championship Trials in the 50 and 100 meter butterflies, and previously, he also competed at the 2012 Olympic Trials in the 100 fly.
In what will likely be his most competitive event this year, Williams has already shown some early season speed in the 100 fly. At the Northwestern TYR Invitational in November, Williams blitzed a 47.37 in the event, and he is 6th amongst all Big Ten swimmers entering the conference meet. Additionally, he has also been a 1:48.23 in his 200 fly from the same meet, and that also factors in the top 16 in the Big 10 at the moment. He has the potential to be a critical leg in all of the Spartans’ relays this year, and as he has already gone a personal best in the 200 free this season (1:37.89), it will be interesting to see how he balances his individuals with his relay responsibilities next week. It will be exciting to see if Williams can lead the Spartans to NCAAs either in his individuals or in the relays, and there is certainly no counting out the potential of seeing a green cap in multiple big heats at Big Tens.
Best Times (SCY/LCM):
50 free: 20.53/24.42
200 free: 1:37.89/1:53.32
100 butterfly: 47.21/54.13
200 butterfly: 1:46.59/2:04.09
School Major/Degree: Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, Secondary Education Minor in History
Favorite Event: 100 Butterfly
Favorite Hobby/Hidden Talent: Reading Historical Books
Favorite Movie: Goodfellas
Role Model Growing Up/ Person You’d Like to Meet: Although he is dead I would
like to meet our 32nd President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Favorite Food/ Pre-Race Meal: Favorite Food: Homemade Mac n’ Cheese, Pre-Race Meal: Nutrition Bar
At what age did you become involved with swimming? How did you get into it?
I got involved with swimming when I was 8 years old. Our country club at the time had a swim team and I would constantly beg my parents to let me join. One year they finally said yes, and I instantaneously fell in love with the sport.
What is your favorite collegiate swimming memory and why?
Qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Trials the day after the Big Ten Championships during my sophomore year. The reason why I believe this is my most memorable moment is because I had tried the year before to qualify and just fell short. When I touched the wall and saw that I had gone the time I need to do I was filled with such emotion because I had accomplished something that I worked so hard for. I immediately jumped out of the pool and began calling everyone.
How was your experience at the 2012 Olympic Trials and how did it compare with your expectations for yourself?
My experience at the 2012 Olympic Trials was truly incredible. Upon arrival in Omaha I was blown away by how massive the event was. I swim my best when I am laid back and having fun at meets so when it came to the Olympic Trials I was mainly focused on having a good time and getting the most out of the experience as I possibly could.
What do you think is the biggest improvement that Michigan State has made this season?
As a team I think we have gotten a lot tougher. Training this year has definitely been the hardest in my opinion and as a result I think as swimmers we have gotten tougher.
Where did the team go for training trip this year? What was it like?
This year we went back to the Aqua Crest Pool in Delray Beach, Florida. Personally I believe that the training we did while there was the hardest that in my four years, I haven’t done that much butterfly in one week. However in the end the trip was a great time and I think everyone enjoyed it.
What/who do you think has been the single most important catalyst to your swimming career?
Without a doubt my family. They are always at my meets cheering me on whether I have a poor swim or a personal best. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me all these years.
What do you plan on doing after you are done competing collegiately?
I will be graduating this spring and the following school year I will be in a high school doing my year of student teaching. After that I will begin looking for a history teaching job, I also would like to help out with swimming wherever I end up by being a coach.
What are you most excited for at this year’s Big Ten Championships?
Everything. It’s hard to pinpoint one thing. With it being senior year I am really excited to represent MSU one last time at the Big Ten Championships and just go out there and swim my fastest.
What should we look forward to from Michigan State at this year’s Big Ten Championships?
I would have to say a high-energy team that is excited and ready to swim fast. We have some young guys who I think can help this program takes steps in the right direction. Ultimately we are also looking to move up a spot or two.