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June 2, 2008

Mehaffey places at swimming competition

Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center employee Hunter Mehaffey finished with another award-winning season of swimming at East Carolina University.

Mehaffey has been a lifeguard and swim instructor for the fitness center’s aquatics department for five years. During most of the past year, Hunter has been busy as a pre-med sophomore at East Carolina University, along with his second season as a decorated Division-I swimmer.

This past season, Hunter produced an overall fourth-place in Conference-USA competition in the 200-meter backstroke event, with a time of 1:51, and fifth in the 100-meter backstroke, with a time of 0:52. He competed in every meet of the season, winning the 200-meter backstroke at most of them. He qualified for the Nike Cup, where he helped his team to a third place overall finish in Conference-USA.

“On behalf of Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center, I would like to express how proud we all are of Hunter,” said fitness center director Scotty Setser. “Judging by the quality of work he produces at the fitness center each year, it’s no surprise to see how successful he is becoming in both scholastics and athletics.”

Over the course of each summer, Hunter lends his talents to instructing others in the water through private swimming lessons and stroke mechanics workshops at the fitness center. His specialties range from beginner’s swimming instruction to competitive swimming techniques and triathlon training.

Former clients have included competitive swimmers looking to better their performance in various events, triathlon participants, and persons entering the military seeking assistance in preparing for swimming pre-qualifications.

Mehaffey’s next Stroke Mechanics workshop will take place 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday evenings, beginning June 9. Participants may choose to purchase single-session passes for $12 members/$15 non-members, or four-session punch cards for $35 members/$50 non-members.

Persons interested in taking private swimming lessons may call 452-8056 for scheduling. Private swimming lessons are available in packages of six for $70 members/$100 non-members.