NC State Swimmers Shine at ACC Championships

Hayes wins gold, Winkler takes bronze as Wolfpack adds to medal count

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The NC State Wolfpack men's swimming and diving team continued its strong performance at the ACC Championships, with senior Aiden Hayes winning gold in the 100 butterfly and sophomore Kaii Winkler earning bronze in the 200 freestyle. The Wolfpack also saw solid showings from other swimmers, including Arsenio Bustos and Kyle Ponsler, as they pursue another ACC team title.

Why it matters

The ACC Championships are a crucial event for the NC State swimming and diving program, as they look to build on their past success and continue their dominance in the conference. Strong individual performances like those of Hayes and Winkler contribute valuable points towards the team title, which is the ultimate goal for the Wolfpack.

The details

In the 100 butterfly, Hayes replicated his dominant morning swim to claim the gold medal with a time of 44.07. Teammate Arsenio Bustos also contributed to the Wolfpack's medal tally, finishing fifth in the event. In the 200 freestyle, Winkler took an aggressive approach and held strong down the stretch to secure the bronze medal with a time of 1:31.27, his first ACC Championship medal.

  • The Wolfpack opened the day with a strong showing in prelims on February 19, 2026.
  • The evening session, where Hayes and Winkler won their medals, took place on February 19, 2026.

The players

Aiden Hayes

A senior on the NC State men's swimming and diving team who won the gold medal in the 100 butterfly at the 2026 ACC Championships.

Kaii Winkler

A sophomore on the NC State men's swimming and diving team who won the bronze medal in the 200 freestyle at the 2026 ACC Championships.

Arsenio Bustos

A fifth-year veteran on the NC State men's swimming and diving team who finished fifth in the 100 butterfly at the 2026 ACC Championships.

Kyle Ponsler

A swimmer on the NC State men's swimming and diving team who won the C-final of the 400 IM at the 2026 ACC Championships.

NC State Wolfpack

The men's swimming and diving team from NC State University, which is pursuing another ACC team title.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The NC State Wolfpack men's swimming and diving team continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the ACC, as evidenced by the strong individual performances of Hayes and Winkler. Their success contributes valuable points towards the team's pursuit of another conference championship, solidifying the program's status as a swimming powerhouse.