Phillips taking leading role as UNLV strives for MWC title

At 6 feet 5 inches tall, the muscular Canadian probably could have succeeded at just about any sport, but he picked swimming.

More importantly for Rebels coach Jim Reitz, he chose UNLV.

“Growing up in Canada, you play hockey,” the Edmonton, Alberta, native said. “I played hockey, and that’s where I gained my competitive edge.”

Even though his father, Rod Phillips, has been the play-by-play radio voice for the Edmonton Oilers since 1973, the younger Phillips dabbled in several other sports, ranging from basketball to martial arts.

In the end, he decided he felt most comfortable in the pool.

“I had some early success in swimming,” said Phillips, a senior freestyle and backstroke specialist. “I just wanted to try something new. I broke some provincial records, and that helped me make my decision.”

Reitz is thankful for that decision.

“Devin is the best raw kicker we’ve ever had,” Reitz said. “And he hasn’t even touched what he’s capable of doing.”

Phillips has become a key part of a squad that is battling for its fourth consecutive Mountain West Conference championship.

“He’s a huge part of our team,” Reitz said. “He leads off our relays, so our chance to make the NCAAs is partly in his hands.”

Such a strong statement might have intimidated Phillips a year or two ago, but his once-casual approach to the sport has since intensified.

“Last season, I had my best times in every one of my events,” he said. “This year, I want to continue that focus on the little things. Everybody can train hard, but you’ve also got to train smart.”

Reitz said the potential is unlimited for Phillips, who looks like a contender for a spot on Canada’s 2008 Olympic team.

“Devin’s a real student of the sport,” Reitz said. “He knows things about the sport and how people are doing around the world. He’s a team player with talent that has been untapped. He just started harnessing that talent at the end of his junior year.”

A goal that once seemed unattainable has become a reality this season, as Phillips acknowledged he is thinking about extending his swimming career beyond his senior year.

“I finish my (NCAA) eligibility in March,” he said. “The Olympic Trials are in April. If I make the Olympic team, I’ll stay here and train until August. Every year, I’ve learned. I think I’m ready to fulfill my potential.”

But there’s a college career to finish first. With Brigham Young having its best season in years, Phillips said he feels a strong sense of obligation to help lift the Rebels to another league title.

“I’ve always looked up to the upperclassmen,” he said. “This year, I am one of those seniors.”

A UNLV championship could help Phillips create the momentum necessary to get to the next level.

“If I could get a fourth ring, that would be awesome,” said Phillips, who finished second in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke events and the 200 individual medley in last year’s league meet. “It never gets old.”

Of course, there’s a chance Phillips’ swimming career will end at the end of the Rebels’ season. But that’s something he’s not thinking about now.

“Right now, I’m just focused on finishing as strong as I can while I am a member of this team,” he said.

The Rebels will return to action Dec. 15-17 when they host the UNLV Winter Invitational at Buchanan Natatorium.