Senior proves valuable to Boilermaker swim team

By Doug Healey
Staff Writer

Believe it or not, Purdue swimmer Matt Martin used to be afraid of the water.

But Martin, a Mission Viejo, Calif., native who grew up 10 minutes away from the beach, finally overcame his fear of water and has made it a fixture in his life ever since.

Once he arrived at Purdue, it wasn't his attitude or work ethic that needed to adjust. It was his sense of style that was a little different from most Indiana natives.

"His clothes were ridiculous when he first came here," said teammate Matt Garrison. "We tried to help him out."

Although this surfer dyes his hair blond and wears Hawaiian shirts, Martin has definitely made a smooth transition and has become an asset to the Purdue men's swimming program.

His work ethic and personality make the two-time captain a special athlete. Although he is laid back and can often be found smiling, Martin is serious when the time comes.

"He works as hard as anybody," said Garrison. "People respect him and listen to what he says. Everybody looks up to him."

Purdue coach Dan Ross said Martin's ability to balance school, swimming and a social life is also a testament to his character. "He's a very organized and well-rounded individual," said Ross.

Martin and Ross have formed a special bond during Martin's four years as a Boilermaker.

"From the time he set foot here, he just matured," said Ross. "We almost communicate subconsciously."

Ross said one thing that he admires about Martin is the senior's commitment to bettering himself.

"He has a burning desire to be the best student and athlete he can be," said Ross.

Martin, an All-American last year as a junior following an eighth-place finish in the 1,650 freestyle at the 2000 NCAA Championships, said Ross is his biggest influence.

"We have grown up a lot together," Martin said. "We have a good mutual respect and he's more of a friend than an authority figure."

Martin has enjoyed a lot of success during his career. His team won a bronze medal in international competition last summer as he represented the United States in the Open Water World Championships.

"When you put on a cap with the American flag, it's really special," said Martin. "There's so much more pride involved."

He also qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

"Just competing there was such an awesome experience," he said.

Another great experience that stands out in Martin's mind was the Feb. 3 meet against Indiana. There were approximately 200 former Boilermaker swimmers in attendance for the final meet at Lambert Pool when Purdue beat heavily favored Indiana.

"The crowd was so intense and everybody was so excited," said Martin. "I felt so proud to be a Boiler."

Heading into the Big Ten Championships, which begin Thursday in Minneapolis, he holds Purdue varsity records in the 500 freestyle, 1,000 freestyle and 1,650 freestyle, and he is ranked seventh in the country in the 1,650 freestyle.

Although he has had an enjoyable senior year, Martin said he will ultimately judge his career on how he finishes at the Big Ten and NCAA meets. He will meet rival and Olympic bronze medalist Chris Thompson from Michigan.

"It's going to be a dogfight and it's going to be extremely fast," said Martin. "I am out there to win."

Ross is confident that Martin will go out with a bang.

"He's not afraid to lay it on the line," Ross said. "It will be a lot of fun."

Garrison, fellow captain and Martin's roommate the last three years, said he's noticed Martin has the right attitude.

"He's been jacked up for this for a while," Garrison said. "He's a pressure swimmer and he'll be ready."

Ultimately, however, the team takes priority in Martin's eyes.

"If we do well as a team, I will be completely satisfied," he said.

Whatever the result, Martin has a lot to look forward to in the future. The Academic All-American has had the highest GPA on the team every year and plans to go to medical school after he graduates next May with a biology degree.

"I take a huge amount of pride doing well in the classroom," Martin said. "You can't lose sight of why you are actually here."

He plans to become a surgeon and contends he needs to do something "hands on."

Ross said, "I would trust him with my insides in his hands."

As far as next year is concerned, Martin would like to be an assistant coach for the Boilers as he finishes his last two semesters of school. He also said he would like to do some volunteer work at a hospital and start focusing on the next aspect of his life.

The Purdue men's swimming program will miss Martin. Ross ranks him near the top as one of the best swimmers he has ever coached in his 15 years at Purdue. "I'll miss his leadership. He's just a fun guy to be around," said Ross.

Looking back, Martin could not be happier with his college career. "This has been the best experience," he said. "I have grown up a lot and I am a completely different person than when I set foot on this campus. Swimming has gone so much better than I ever could have expected. It's been an unbelievable ride."

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