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'Looking to defend' - Swimming's Joe Patching aims for repeat at SEC Championships

AuburnTigers.com

AUBURN, Ala. - Joe Patching is ready. Ready for the packed stands in Knoxville, Tenn. Ready for the world-class competition. Ready to repeat as SEC Champion in the 200 backstroke and individual medley.

“It’s actually probably more intense than NCAAs in that sense, because everyone’s there,” said Patching, a senior from Ascot, England. “You’ve got men and women together competing. A lot of people really thrive in that very competitive environment against probably one of the best swimming conferences in the country.”

Patching leads Auburn’s No. 7 men’s team into the SEC Championships Tuesday through Saturday at Tennessee’s Allan Jones Aquatic Center.