Huff Ready to Wrap Up Career

March 26, 2013

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Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Senior Jordan Huff has been to the NCAA Championships two times before, but this year is different as it is his final go-round.

“It’s a whirlwind of emotions,” said Huff. “It’s hard to describe how it feels. It’s different from the previous two years because of it’s my last time. I am really looking forward to having a great meet, a great time and doing everything I can to get some points for the Hawkeyes.”

Huff will make his third NCAA appearance March 28-30 in Indianapolis at the IU Natatorium. The Dubuque, Iowa native will compete in the 200-yard medley and 400-medley relays along with senior Byron Butler, junior Andrew Marciniak and freshman David Ernstsson, and in the 800-free relay with Butler, Ernstsson and sophomore Grant Betulius.

Huff says his attitude within the program has changed with each appearance.

“In 2011, the first time we went, a lot of us were pretty awestruck,” said Huff. “It was like let’s go there and get the experience. Last year, we had a much better meet, and we were able to take advantage of every opportunity.

“I think the experience will allow me, and the rest of our guys, to take advantage of every opportunity we’re given.”

UI head coach Marc Long says being there isn’t good enough for the team. The Hawkeyes need to score points and climb the team standings.

“We’re not just happy anymore to be at this meet,” he said. “Our goal is to go there, score and move up the standings.”

During the 2011 NCAA Championships, Huff was a member of the 400-freestyle relay that earned honorable mention All-America honors after tallying a 15th place finish. He followed it up with a pair of honorable mention All-America nods in the 400 and 800-freestyle relays in 2012.

In the team standings, Iowa finished 36th in 2011 and moved up nine spots to place 26th in 2012.

UI head coach Marc Long says he doesn’t envision Huff putting extra pressure on himself during his last go-round, but thinks his past experience will instead help.

“He’ll be relaxed and ready to go because of his experiences and because he is a senior,” said Long. “I don’t think he is thinking that I have to be an All-American. I think he is going there for the team. He’s a very unselfish swimmer and because of that, I think it will help his individual performance.”

Iowa bring the 16th-best time in the 200-medley and 18th-best time in the 400-medley relay into the championships. The Hawkeyes set school records in both events at the 2013 Big Ten Championships, finishing with times of 1:25.82 and 3:10.18, respectively.

The 400-medley relay will take place March 28, the 200-medley relay on March 29 and the 800-free relay on March 30. Prelims begin at 10 a.m. (CT) each day, while finals will begin at 6 p.m.