Steve Sarkisian poignantly sums up devastating flooding in Texas, recalls 'helpless' feeling

Like many around the country and in the state of Texas, Steve Sarkisian looked on amid the devastating flooding in the state. At least 130 people are dead as a result of the pouring rains in Central Texas, and Camp Mystic in Kerr County was hit especially hard.

Sarkisian began his remarks at SEC Media Days reflecting on the last week and those affected. Speaking on The Paul Finebaum Show, the Texas coach also recalled the “helpless” feeling amid the devastation.

Sarkisian and the Longhorns program expressed their support quickly after the floods occurred. Quarterback Arch Manning also made a donation, and Sarkisian said the team will continue to do what it can amid the recovery efforts.

“When things like that occur – when natural disasters occur and this flash flood occurred – you can feel the enormity of the rain even in Austin,” Sarkisian said. “This is a lot of rain. … It was constant for days. When you heard about the flooding and knowing in that region, the amount of summer camps that are taking place with children and obviously, Camp Mystic and the girls at that camp. But the communities – the RV parks, the communities and the amount of damage that occurred – all you can do in that moment is pray for them because you almost feel helpless.

“And even when we wanted to help afterwards, they only wanted the professionals there to deal with the damage. Thoughts and prayers with everybody involved. There are so many Longhorns that were affected in many different ways. We just want to continue to support them and celebrate those that we can in the best way that we can. But a very difficult time, for sure.”

Those affected by the floods, notably the victims at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, had a strong presence as Texas arrived for SEC Media Days on Tuesday. Longhorns star Michael Taaffe wore a custom tie honoring the victims at the camp. It had the initials of all 28 girls lost in the floods as water levels rose, peaking at 37.5 feet, according to The Washington Post.

Taaffe’s gesture came after Manning announced his plans to donate to the recovery efforts. He specifically cited the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, Texas Search and Rescue, Mercy Chefs and the United Cajun Navy as needing financial support to carry out their heroic efforts in the Texas Hill Country.