UCSB
Big West champion in 1650 freestyle as a freshman in 1997...Finished third in the 1650 free in 1998 and third in the 500 free in 1997 at the Big West Championships.

High School
MVP his senior year and a member of the Clayton Valley High league championship team...All-league and North Coast Section finalist all four years...Coached by Dennis Bledsoe...Also played water polo.

Personal
Born October 24, 1977...Parents are Dave and Carol Cottam...Enjoys playing guitar and frisbee...Favorite athletes are Steve Young, Jerry Rice and Garrison Hearst...Favorite movies are "Braveheart" and "Scarface."