By Michael Butler

Tallassee High School senior swimmer and state champion Camden Mask had a variety of options to continue his skills at the next level. Last week, he made his college choice.

Mask will attend Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark. on an athletic scholarship.

Mask won the 100-yard breaststroke at the AHSAA state championships in Huntsville last season. His time was best among all swimmers in the event regardless of classification.

“Words can’t describe how proud I am,” said his father and swimming coach John Mask after the state title. “To have seen his growth is so amazing as a parent and a coach.”

The old saying, ‘hard work pays off’ is true. Mask spent three hours per day in preparation for competitions.

“I visited five different schools and Henderson State just had the academic and athletic leadership that I believed would help me to reach all of my goals,” he said. “The swimmers seemed to all be locked in and driven to get better every day. I decided that Henderson would be the best fit for me and my development both as a swimmer and as a biology major.”