Camden Taylor Packages Stellar Showing for Texas at SEC Championships
As the University of Texas marched to its second consecutive Southeastern Conference championship last weekend, the Longhorns benefited from their richness in top-end power and depth. As expected, the program’s big guns starred, including double-individual victories from Hubert Kos (100 backstroke/200 IM) and Nate Germonprez (100 breaststroke/200 breaststroke). Ample scoring was also supplied across the lineup, that depth leading Texas to a 157.5-point margin over runnerup Florida in the team standings.
Along the way, Camden Taylor enjoyed a breakout meet.
A junior from Illinois, Taylor has been a valuable member of the Texas roster since his freshman year, when he contributed to several relays at the 2024 NCAA Champs, including the third-place 800 freestyle relay. But his efforts at the recent SEC Championships reflected an athlete who has propelled himself to another level, and will be a major factor when the Longhorns chase a repeat of their NCAA team title next month in Atlanta.
Taylor embraced a busy schedule at SECs, contesting three individual events and a trio of relays. On a solo basis, Taylor claimed the conference crown in the 200-yard freestyle, where he clocked 1:31.53 to edge LSU’s Jere Hribar. Taylor was slightly quicker during prelims, going 1:31.03. Meanwhile, he added a third-place finish in the 200 individual medley, thanks to a mark of 1:41.57. In the morning, Taylor dropped a time of 1:41.57.
Yet, it was in relay action where Taylor was at his best. On the opening night of action, the product of Rockford East High School helped Texas win the 800 freestyle relay, with Taylor supplying the fastest split, an effort of 1:30.59. He then anchored the 400 medley relay to a school-record performance of 2:57.64, his closing leg of 40.62 also helping the Longhorns set a facility record at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center. For a finale, Taylor split 40.97 as Texas wrapped up SECs with a second-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay.
As a two-time NCAA qualifier, Taylor will be familiar with the demands of the championship meet. A year ago, he was 14th in the 200 IM at NCAAs, and also placed 23rd in the 200 freestyle. This year, Taylor is on track to score in both events, as well as play a key role on several relays.
