Pasadena native Steve Prentice rose from afternoons swimming at Strawberry Park to becoming one of the Southwest Conference’s most accomplished backstrokers. At South Houston High School, under legendary coach Lanny Landtroop, Prentice earned high school All-American honors, won multiple district titles, and placed third in the state meet in the backstroke.

Recruited by Texas A&M University, the 6’2” standout quickly made his mark as a record-setter. Under coach Melvin “Pat” Patterson, he established school records in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke as well as the 200 individual medley, qualifying for both the NCAA Championships and Pan American Games trials. He also contributed to record-breaking medley and freestyle relay teams.

By his junior and senior years, Prentice had captured the Southwest Conference title in the 100-yard backstroke and added conference crowns in both backstroke events as a senior. Along the way, he consistently broke his own records and cemented his place among Texas A&M’s swimming greats.