Camden Taylor: East Grad Splashing into NCAA Championship Contention with No. 1 Texas

Breaking an Olympic gold medalist’s state record was not sufficient for Camden Taylor upon entering college. His new coach required him to modify his stroke.

Taylor adapted sufficiently to become Rockford’s first swimming All-American in 17 years, playing a key role in Texas’ third-place 800-yard freestyle relay team as a freshman.

Now, in his sophomore year, he has yet another new coach and has made an even greater leap, shaving two seconds off his personal best time in the 200 freestyle.

“That happened in just one day,” the 6-foot-10 former East star recounted during a visit home over Christmas. “It felt surreal. I celebrated for a while. I think I earned that after all the hard work I have invested.”

More: Greatest swimmer in Rockford area, NIC-10 history has mom to thank for making him fast

Taylor, who shattered Ryan Held’s state record while winning the 100 free as a senior at East, is working harder than ever as a sophomore. He is not alone. When Texas transitioned from one legendary coach to another, intensity was heightened for the Longhorns. Eddie Reese won an unprecedented 15 NCAA titles during his 46-year tenure at Texas, but upon his retirement, he was succeeded by current NCAA champion coach Bob Bowman of Arizona State, the coach who guided 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.

Bowman has the Longhorns positioned No. 1 in the nation during his inaugural season at Texas, steering a team where every member realizes they must earn their place.

“We’re training harder than ever with the new coach,” Taylor noted. “Practices I’ve never experienced before. Truly challenging workouts. (My enhancement) is primarily due to the rigorous training sessions. The intensity and the objectives behind them.

“Everyone is eager to impress him. He is somewhat intimidating. Everyone is striving to behave their best consistently and exert themselves so he can recognize it.”

Taylor cherished his eight-day stay in Rockford, particularly enjoying a local swim competition at Boylan.

“There aren’t as many activities here as there are in Austin, but I get to see all of my former friends and attend events like this swim meet, so it’s an enjoyable experience,” Taylor stated. “I have numerous friends here in the NIC-10. A lot of people approached me. I was thrilled to see them all, and I hope they are equally excited to see me.”

More: Rockford swimming champion Lisa Coole’s legacy lives on

Taylor is experiencing a speedy start this year overall, currently ranking first on the team in the 100 free (42.35 seconds) and second in both the 50 free (19.54) and 200 free (1:32.02).

“My upcoming goal is to reach the top 16 in the NCAAs in any event this year: the 50, 100, or the 200 free,” Taylor expressed. “I am already looking forward to the NCAAs in March. I believe I can achieve an impressive time and be competitive.

“And I aim to win a national championship (as a team).”

Matt Trowbridge is a sports reporter for the Rockford Register Star. You can reach him via email at mtrowbridge@rrstar.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @MattTrowbridge.