The Texas men's swimming team is gearing up for a significant long-course campaign, with a strong lineup that includes many of the swimmers who recently dominated the NCAA Championships. The team's focus is on the upcoming 2026 TXLA 11&Over Long Course Kick Off meet in Austin, Texas, marking a pivotal moment in their season. This event will be a crucial stepping stone for the swimmers as they transition from the college season to the long-course format.
Among the standout performers at the Longhorn Aquatics Long Course Kick Off meet were Rex Maurer, Nate Germonprez, and Will Modglin. Maurer, who recently broke the American Record in the 400 IM, showcased his versatility by winning the 200 free with a time of 1:48.47. This performance highlights his ability to excel in multiple events, a trait that could be pivotal for the team's success in the long-course campaign.
Germonprez, the fastest man in the NCAA last season in the 100 breast, dominated the 100 breast event at the meet, setting a best time of 59.80 at the 2025 U.S. Open. His performance underscores his potential as a key contributor to the team's success in the long-course format, where he can leverage his speed and technique.
Modglin, who finished fourth in the 100 breast in 1:03.98, demonstrated his versatility by posting a strong time of 54.50 in the 100 back. This performance builds on his previous success at the World University Games, where he won gold in a new personal best of 52.54. Modglin's ability to adapt to different events and his recent success in the long-course format make him a valuable asset to the team.
The women's team also featured some notable performances, with Joanna Evans and Inez Miller making their mark. Evans, a Bahamian Olympian and former Longhorn, returned to competition after a two-year suspension for doping. Her times of 2:00.95 in the 200 free and 4:19.48 in the 400 free, while impressive, were slightly below her previous standards. Miller, an Australian native, showcased her potential with times of 2:01.30 in the 200 free and 4:20.19 in the 400 free, setting her sights on future success.
The meet served as a crucial stepping stone for the swimmers as they transition from the college season to the long-course format. The team's strong performance and the individual achievements of its swimmers bode well for their long-course campaign, which will be a key part of their overall success in the sport.
In conclusion, the Longhorn Aquatics Long Course Kick Off meet provided a glimpse into the potential of the Texas men's swimming team as they prepare for the long-course season. With a strong lineup and a focus on versatility, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the sport, building on their recent success in the NCAA Championships.
