Qualifying for the first tournament of the NCAA golf season is quite an accomplishment. But Michigan freshman Bill Rankin didn't just qualify, he managed to tie for 10th-place overall in the Hawkeye Intercollegiate Tournament in Iowa Sept. 10-11. His score of 217 helped the Wolverines finish third among the nine schools that participated. This is just the latest feat on Rankin's impressive list of accomplishments.

At Central High School in Traverse City, Rankin had a remarkable career. Rankin earned a spot on the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association (MIGCA) Division One All-State team in 2003, and, last year, he was a part of the MIGCA Dream Team. The Traverse City native finished in the top-10 in 14 of 16 tournaments his senior year and also medaled in numerous other amateur tournaments.

But even before his high school career, Rankin showed the makings of a Wolverine. Rankin's father and grandfather introduced him to golf at the age of five. His earliest memory of the sport came when he made a hole-in-one when he was just eight years old. Rankin's family, including his parents and older sister, largely influenced his decision to attend Michigan. His desire to follow in their footsteps soon began to include playing golf as a Wolverine.

Now that Rankin is finally at Michigan, coach Andrew Sapp has taken notice of Rankin's exemplary performance, especially after his great finish in the first tournament of the season. He said Rankin has been a good fit for the team, helping others improve their games.

"He's really been able to force other players to continue to strive each week (to do their best)," Sapp said.

Rankin has been able to help others improve despite the challenges and stresses of adjusting to being a Division I athlete. He enjoys himself out on the links and doesn't focus on the difficulties of being an underclassman.

"I'm just trying to enjoy it rather than getting mad about carrying bags or getting the worst seat in the bus," Rankin said.

Although his teammates might give him a hard time, Rankin focuses on learning from the upperclassmen. He sees senior Christian Vozza as a great role model on and off the course.

"There's so much to learn from him," Rankin said. "He's always open to answer (my) questions."

Vozza has helped Rankin adjust well to the team. But after some collegiate experience, Rankin will possess the talent, poise, and leadership to teach an entirely new crop of freshman how to succeed as a Michigan golfer.