FULLERTON, California, August 24. TYLER Clary will not return to the University of Michigan to swim competitively, forgoing his final season of eligibility to continue training under Jon Urbanchek at FAST according to the Los Angeles Times.
Clary had an illustrious career at Michigan, which included three national titles (2009: 200 back, 400 IM; 2010: 400 IM) as well as 11 All-American certificates while swimming for the Wolverines. He also earned the 2009 NCAA Swimmer of the Year award for his pair of wins as a sophomore.
This summer, Clary decided to follow Urbanchek to FAST as part of what proved to be a strong summer training group. Clary, however, decided one summer wasn't enough and elected to remain with Urbanchek instead of returning for a final season at the NCAA level.
"He's not afraid to take on the best," Urbanchek told the Los Angeles Times. "A lot of kids would not do it. That is a toughness in him. That's what I admire the most. He's not afraid to take on the best. Whatever happens from now on, between now and London, it depends on how much he wants to work. Another thing about Tyler is that he's probably going to be around for four more years. I think he'll be ready to continue on all the way to Rio. If Michael decides to retire after London, I think Tyler is going to be right there with Ryan. I think it's awesome."
Full article from the Los Angeles Times.
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August 25, 2010 Really? Jon Urbancek would applaud this. It benefits his group. I hope it goes well. But if the guy may be around for 4 more years, why go pro now? Its not huge money with his credentials. What about the last year of free education? What about team building and loyalty? Lets not start setting an ugly trend for the men. I cannot really applaud this. Its definitely not awesome. Submitted by: swimmcatt1
August 28, 2010 At no point does Coach Urbanchek says he would applaud this. Don't make him out to be self-serving in any of this, it's not fair.
An adult made a decision. Giving him the benefit of the doubt and really thinking this decision over, he BELIEVES he needs to forgo this year to make a real play for London. Two years out from the Olympics can make or break anyone of these bubble athletes and given his best events, anything can and will happen. Going pro now gives him two full years to train for London without NCAA restriction.
This is obviously a life goal with a short window of opportunity. The window for success, although seems to be getting bigger, is not guaranteed. At first I was not all that sure of his decision, but if he did not give it his 100% focus right now and continuing on past 2012 does not happen... Regret is far worse than a year of free education and interaction with teammates. Furthermore, if the environment and training was such that Tyler would stay for his senior, I think he would have stayed. There is just too much risk when it comes to something this big. Swimmcatt1, what would you do or give for a chance at the Olympic team and personal life goal achievement? $40,000? $100,000? 1-year of your life? 2-years of your life? Ask Dave Denniston about how a window of opportunity can be shut in the blink of an eye.
Credentials?? He was on the World Champs team last year. He is the 2nd ranked 400IMer, 8th in the 200Fly, 2nd in the 200BK, 3rd in the 200IM. I suppose he could be first in all of them...
Lastly, loyalty? Really? I am sure Coach Bottom was loyal to Tyler and would give him what he thinks would be needed to achieve that success, but what makes you think he is not loyal? Do you think Coach Bottom would put a slower swimmer on a relay because he has been with the program for three years and is loyal? Would Tyler allow Coach Bottom to ruin a relays chances if it meant putting him on a relay if he were slower than the kid he is replacing? Submitted by: HC_HLA
August 28, 2010 Tyler, its a tough decision and I know it must have been hard. Best of luck over the next two years and I wish you well on your pursuit of Olympic immortality. Once an Olympian, always an Olympian. Submitted by: HC_HLA
August 29, 2010 Some have said this may be Jon's final Olympic cycle. I.e., no more coaching post-2012. If so, I think USA Swimming or the USOC plans to pay for Tyler to finish college at Michigan and train with Club Wolverine again. Not confirmed or anything though. Submitted by: David Rieder
September 3, 2010 A big loss to college swimming. Good luck Tyler! Submitted by: rworkman
September 3, 2010 This is bad for college swimming but a sign of the times. If you have the talent Tyler has, you have to go for it. Colleges have a different focus. Submitted by: bluemoon
September 3, 2010 It is a tough loss for College Swimming but if you want to win medals in the Olympics he has to go for it. College is an entirely different focus. Submitted by: bluemoon
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