When University of Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh goes after a recruit, he gives the same 100% effort he demands of his own athletes once they take the field. In his tenacity to attract the highest quality players to his program, the former NFL coach has been known to go the distance in making an impression on would-be Wolverines.
What does this have to do with the sport of swimming, however? When recently paying four-star receiver target Oliver Martin a visit in Iowa City, Harbaugh dropped by the multi-sport athlete’s swim practice and did his best to fit in. The famous coach donned a swim cap and goggles for a squad photo op with the 6-foot, 188-pound football player/swimmer from West Senior High School.
Interestingly, Martin is older brother to USA National Junior Team Member Ruby Martin, who finished 4th in the women’s 200m butterfly at the 2016 Olympic Trials in Omaha. Oliver is a talented swimmer in his own right, owning a 50y freestyle best time of 20.83 andbest of 57.59 in the 100y breaststroke
You can also see the normally bespectacled, serious-looking coach get wet with Michigan-bound Martin, as they jump in the pool to celebrate the commitment.
If you ever wondered what a cap & goggles would look like with khakis…..
https://twitter.com/JimRuss1/status/826152767047745536
Jim Harbaugh jumping in a pool with Oliver Martin to celebrate the four-star WR’s pledge: https://t.co/k0WbAnyRA7
— Chris Balas (@Balas_Wolverine) January 31, 2017
The 20.5 doesn’t really surprise me, a good athlete could do this with a little swim training. But being a 57 100 breast shows he has a real feel for the water.
Best swimmer/other athlete was probably Kiki Vandeweghe. He was a Michael Andrews through about 12 years old or so, then became a basketball star. He would have been unreal if he kept swimming.
Both Tim Duncan and Kris Humphries were stellar swimmers when younger too. Humphries was a NAG holder when we was 10 I believe over Phelps, and Duncan was on pace to make the olympics for his home country until he quit swimming at 13, but I can’t find his personal bests
He had to quit because a hurricane destroyed his pool in the US Virgin Islands 🙁
Congratulations Oliver????
Good for Harbaugh. He is a great coach…good to see he has a side of humor too!
This is awesome!!! Bottom should def take a look!!! Men’s team needs this kid!!!
quikstatsiowa.com
Boys High School Swimming
50 Free
Ivy Martin’s younger brother?
No, but he’s Ruby Martin’s older brother.
Sister is Ruby Martin of IFLY Swim Club Iowa City Iowa
What an athlete! He goes 20.8 in the 50 and 57.5 in the 100 breast and got at least 2 Big 10 scholarship offers for baseball. I would love to see him join the swim team after football is over, but a football/baseball combo is more likely. Congrats Oliver!
Very Impressive!
Harbaugh should probably give some pointers to both Michigan swimming and diving teams, they could use all the help they can get based on their performance this year. #STATEment
Whoever you are… You are hurting NC State’s reputation! If you do love them, stop this nonsense!
Hey don’t worry about Bottom, this is a guy who knows how to win National Championships…
From one Wolfpack fan to another STOP all the trash talking.