Julian helps California rule PAC-12 in men’s swimming before season is cut short because of coronavirus
In his first three seasons, Trenton Julian has accomplished a great deal for one of the nation’s most accomplished college men’s swimming programs.
He’s had an impressive list of accomplishments that has seen the former Glendale High standout swimmer help the University of California men’s team win three PAC-12 Conference championships and one NCAA Division I title.
Life in the Berkeley has certainly been a boon for Julian, who was a three-time All-Area Boys’ Swimmer of the Yea after setting multiple records and winning a handful of CIF Southern Section titles for the Nitros.
“Things have been going very well, and it’s all about being able to maintain your preparation,” said Julian, a junior psychology major. “I just try to find that extra push and I love the environment [at California].
“It’s a different level of competition in college and you get into the pool and get into that space by thinking about what I need to do.”
Julian helped the Bears win their third straight conference championship in early March in convincing fashion at Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Wash. California finished with a whopping 856 points in the three-day meet. Arizona (578) was a distant second.
Julian teamed with Zheng Wen Quah, Bryce Mefford and Daniel Carr to win the 800-yard freestyle relay in 6 minutes, 11.47 seconds. Julian anchored the event in 1:32.24 for California, which won the NCAA championship crown in 2019.
In addition, Julian turned in a personal-best mark of 1:33.17 to win the 200 freestyle. For good measure, Julian clocked 1:40.78 to take second in the butterfly behind Quah (1:39.15).
“The team we have is very special,” Julian said. “It’s a team that’s got so much talent and they put in the work to get better.
“I think I did a good job racing and it was very exciting to see those time I posted.”
California was set to defend its NCAA championship after capturing the conference title. However, the novel coronavirus pandemic stopped California’s bid after the NCAA canceled all spring sports activities. The championships were slated from March 25-28 in Indianapolis.
California bested Texas to win the Division I championship last season after finishing runner-up in 2018. The Bears have won six NCAA championships, including four since 2011, under legendary coach David Durden, who will be the head coach of the Unites States men’s swimming team in Tokyo in 2021.
“It’s tough to see what’s happening [with the coronavirus],” said Julian, who swam for Rose Bowl Aquatics in Pasadena. “It’s hard to believe what’s going on.
“I’m thinking right now about my senior teammates and what they are going through. Lately, I’ve just been trying to reset and try to physically prepare for what’s next. We haven’t been able to practice, so I’ve been doing a lot of cardio exercises, push-ups and sit-ups. It’s definitely strange not being in a pool.”
Julian enjoyed an amazing four-year career at Glendale, where he set six individual school records.
In addition, Julian won six Pacific League championships, had eight All-American finishes and captured four CIF Southern Section Championships.
“I really enjoyed the sport and my team at Glendale,” Julian said. “In my sophomore season, I won my first CIF title in the butterfly and i didn’t expect to win. i think that’s where and when i realized I can do even better.”
Glendale coach Carol Driffill said Julian was a once-in-a-generation swimmer for the Nitros and he exceeded all expectations.
“He was such a bonus for our teams,” Driffill said. “We were so blessed that he went to Glendale and he was so humble.
“Trenton was never overly cocky. He did a great job at motivating his teammates. His memory will always live on here. I like to keep track of him now. It’s exciting to watch him and an honor to say I was his high school coach. He’s got a great future.”
Julian still has some additional goals he’d like to achieve, including helping the Bears continue to ascend and trying to be a part of the United States Olympic Team.
The 2020 Olympics were postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m hoping I can be a part of the United States Olympic trials,” Julian said. “It would be awesome to be a part of the team and represent my country.”
