Like a fish in water

Kevin Gatley has always loved the water, and as a senior freestyle specialist on the men's swimming and diving team, he is right at home.

Growing up as the youngest of three brothers in Charlton, N.Y., Gatley always wanted to be like his older brothers Eric and Chris. Both began swimming for the nearby Schenectady Swim Club at young ages and Kevin wasn't far behind. Swimming was always a big part of the Gatley family ever since Kevin's mother, Betty, fell in love with the sport as a youngster.

Unfortunately for Betty, her parents put an end to her swimming for religious reasons when she began high school, and she never swam competitively again.

"My mom wasn't allowed to swim after she turned 12 because her parents are very Catholic," Gatley said.

As a result, the Gatleys wanted to give their children every chance they could to try whatever sport they chose. Swimming came naturally to all of Betty's children so that was the obvious choice for the brothers. The youngest Gatley joined the Schenectady Swim Club at age eight and continues to swim with the club in the off-seasons today.

"I was just really good at swimming to begin with," Gatley said. "I took well to it fast. As my brothers and I grew up, we took swimming more seriously, with each brother who was younger taking it more seriously than the brother before him. We had more fun swimming than doing anything else."

Gatley played other sports growing up, but once he hit high school, he left all else behind and devoted his free time to training to become an elite swimmer.

Gatley dominated his competition at the high school level under the tutelage of swimming coach Kevin Fitzpatrick. He lettered in swimming all four years he attended Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, being named captain for two seasons. Along the way, he picked up All-American honors and was part of a State Champion 400 freestyle relay team.

Gatley's team also went undefeated in dual meet action, posting an incredible record of 27-0. Gatley also swam competitively for the Schenectady Swim Club when he was in high school and played water polo in his free time.

"I really had a lot of fun playing water polo, but there is a high injury risk when playing," Gatley said. "The game puts a lot of stress on your shoulders and the risk of hurting myself is too great to continue playing."

Gatley came to UB and made his presence felt immediately by swimming the third leg of the Bulls' number-one freestyle relay team. He also swam the 100 and 200 butterfly, placing in the top 20 in both at the ECAC Championships his freshman year.

"Coach Budd Termin has had a history of winning here at UB and I want to keep that going," Gatley said. "I want to leave my mark on the program."

Since then Gatley has become part of the foundation on which the swim team is built. He has been a part of four different relay teams and numerous individual events. This year, Gatley has his sights set high.

"This is the fastest team we have had since I have been here," Gatley said. "I think we can finish in the top three of the MAC this year."

In addition to hoping for a high team finish, Gatley also has lofty individual goals.

"I want to make top three in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle at the MAC Championships," Gatley said.

Gatley is enjoying his role on the team as a leader as he imparts his four years of experience on the incoming classes. He is always giving advice and helping out the younger swimmers with the adjustment of competing at the collegiate level. Gatley said this year's freshman class is particularly special to him.

"Everyone is seeing eye-to-eye right away. Sometimes it takes a while to get the new guys acclimated to how things get done, but not these guys. They meshed real well," Gatley said.

Gatley and the swim team's next race is Dec. 2 in Akron, Ohio.