Potts shots

Andy Potts' friends, family and coaches all think Potts is a born leader, and he swears he has never led anyone astray.

But that's Potts' opinion. Michigan men's swimming coach Jon Urbanchek doesn't share it.

Urbanchek "has trouble with directions," Potts said.

On his way to recruit Potts, Urbanchek got lost. Considering that Urbanchek was in New Jersey and driving a rental car, that could be expected. But where Urbanchek eventually ended wasn't anywhere close where he planned.

"He ended up in the heart of Trenton," Potts said.

KELLY MCKINNELL/Daily Andy Potts has competed among the best in his four years with the Michigan men's swimming team. Now as a senior leader, he plans to guide the team to the NCAAs, as well as taking himself to the 2000 Olympic Trials.

The heart of Trenton, N.J. is not the best place to be lost. Especially during the night, alone in a strange place in a rent-a-car. Urbanchek swore that it wasn't his fault because Potts (his current co-captain) told him to get off at the Princeton exit. But Urbanchek said there was never a Princeton exit and the next thing he knew he was in the hood.

"I just got really really lost, and it was such a bad neighborhood that I didn't want to stop and ask directions," Urbanchek said. "It was dark and I was supposed to be at their house at six o'clock. It was miserable - he almost got me killed."

So miserable, in fact, that Urbanchek couldn't bear it anymore and called Potts from a liquor store pay phone to come and find him. A couple of hours later Potts strolled into the police station to pick up his then-future coach, and led Urbanchek back to his house.

From his first meeting with the Michigan swimming team he was leading the way. The senior co-captain has developed into one of the team's most vocal leaders.

"He expresses himself very well," Urbanchek said. "He lets people know when he's there ... he's visible and very audible."

Potts is so visible and audible that he has been regarded as one of the most intense competitors on the team. A constant force in and out of the pool with his strong swimming and loud voice, Potts has a way of making his presence known.

"Whenever he walks into a room, everybody takes notice," junior Scott Meyer said. "Everybody knows who Andy Potts is, especially in the athletic community ... Everybody looks up to him."

Even though Potts has been competing with the best since he arrived at Michigan, his competitive nature has yet to let him down. Had it not been for teammates such as Tom Dolan, Eric Namesnik (both former Michigan swimmers and Olympic medalists) and fellow co-captain Tom Malchow, Potts would be the premier swimmer at Michigan over the of last couple of years and would have represented the United States in the Olympics.

During the 1996 Olympic Trials, Potts finished one spot away from competing for the U.S. at the Atlanta Olympics in the 400 individual medley. The three who finished ahead of Potts were Dolan and Namesnik, who went on to win the gold and silver medal in the event, respectively, and Michigan State swimmer Ian Mull.

Having four of the nation's best 400 IM swimmers within an hour's drive of each other was remarkable, and sometimes that kind of a close finish can destroy the psyche of an athlete. But Potts remained unfazed.

"I thought it was a great accomplishment," Potts said. "I didn't really realize what was going on and then I realized, 'Wow, I finished fourth. I'm stoked!'"

Potts said his plans on trying out rested for the 2000 Olympics, after his performance in Big Tens and NCAAs. He has done very well at both since he arrived at Michigan, taking two All-America accolades and earning All-Big Ten honors twice.

But honors in the pool are not Potts' only attribute. He's been very active in community service ever since high school, when he volunteered at his local hospital.

He's the treasurer of both the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and the Michigan Peer Advisors Creating Trust.

Potts is a regular visitor at Mott Children's Hospital, where he encourages children recovering from injuries and illness. Potts also takes part in Share, a community service activity where people read to elementary-school children.

"They always ask you if you're a football player," Potts said. "I'll go with two girls and they'll ask them, 'Do you play football?' 'No.' Do you play basketball?' 'No.' Then they find out you're a swimmer or what have you and they're just as excited.

"It's really important to me to give back to the community. This community especially, because they give their athletes a lot of support."

Being a role model is not something that Potts takes lightly. Potts said he thinks it's an honor to be considered someone's role model and that he "takes a lot of pride to live up to that honor."

"He likes to be with people and give back," Hatit Potts, his mother said. "There's more to life than your own little ivory tower."

Potts will need that kind of attitude after he graduates. He is an English major, and wants to earn his teacher's certificate so he can teach high school English like his mother did.

"You get a chance to change someone," Potts said. "Not just the people you're closely tied to, your real good friends or your family. If you can change someone else's life for the positive, take that."

That view of life is something that was drilled into his head all childhood in Princeton. His parents would often follow or drive him to his meets just to watch their son swim.

After Michigan came in second last season at the Big Ten Championships, Potts was really down on himself because of the loss. It was his mother and father, Buzz, who couldn't have been prouder for their son when they applauded him.

It was positive support like that from his family that has allowed Potts to be a energetic, yet controlled leader on his team. Despite his prowess as one the most dynamic and respected swimmers on the team, he is also one of the calmest.

Instead of listening to Metallica "Kill 'em All" for inspiration before a meet like his teammates do, Potts - who went to the same high school as Blues Traveler - prefers Van Halen's "Top of the World" in his headphones before a meet or in the locker room stereo.

"It helps me visualize where I want to be after my swim," Potts said. "If I can visualize where I want to be after a swim meet all I have to do is go out and do it ... It's that extra thing before championship meets that helps me get in the zone mentally."

Judging by his success, those directions must be easier to follow.

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