Josh Hafkin takes leadership role on UNC's swim team

RALEIGH — A Thursday afternoon wasn’t the most ideal time for the North Carolina men’s and women’s swim teams to compete against North Carolina State.

Because of class-related conflicts, many of the most talented Tar Heels had to stay at home when the teams traveled to Raleigh for the meet. Somebody needed to step up.

And to coach Rich DeSelm’s delight, that’s exactly what senior Josh Hafkin did.

With many of his teammates missing, Hafkin proved that a change from the norm didn’t mean the Tar Heels were sunk. The Maryland native cruised to a pair of individual first-place finishes in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke, helping the men beat N.C. State 177-123.

“He was really impressive and he finished his 200 real well which is something he’s kind of struggled with in the past,” teammate Vinny Pryor said. “He just came here and stepped up and swam probably one of the best meets I’ve seen him swim.”

Hafkin is used to racing with teammate Tommy Wyher beside him in the 100-yard backstroke. But one thing he’s not used to is coming in first place.

Wyher owns both the UNC and ACC records in the event, and has been the reigning ACC champion three years running.

But Thursday night, Wyher had to miss the meet because of class — and Hafkin had no problem filling his spot.

“It’s been absolutely amazing to swim with Tommy and he’s a great competitor,” Hafkin said. “If somebody goes down, there’s somebody who can fill their place. We’re better this year because of our depth, and I think that’s going to help us out a lot at ACCs.”

Hafkin had only won relays this season prior to Thursday’s meet.

The Tar Heel men earned their first dual-meet loss of the season when then-No. 9 UNC fell to No. 12 Virginia. And though it was almost a week ago, losing the rivalry meet was still on Hafkin’s mind.

“I kind of wanted to take out some of my anger from losing (to Virginia) on these guys,” Hafkin said. “I got touched out in 200 backstroke, and I wasn’t about to let that happen again.”
So he didn’t.

Refusing to make the same mistake twice, Hafkin finished just a quarter of a second before N.C. State’s Kohl Hurdle and took the top spot in the event.

DeSelm was impressed with Hafkin’s performance and with the way in which the senior stepped up at a time when his team needed it the most.

DeSelm admitted that playing the role of a substitute wasn’t always easy. But when necessary, it proved to be one of the most important jobs on the team.

“I think a meet like this forces some people to wear the mantel and take on the role of ‘I need to do this for my team,’” DeSelm said.

“That’s a good thing. It may make them a little uncomfortable, but if you’re not comfortable being uncomfortable, then you’re in the wrong business.”

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@dailytarheel.com.