Hernando Today
No Doubt About It
Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO
Springstead High senior wrestler Schuyler Swanton controls the action from the top and used the strategy to defeat Terry Dawson from Brandon in the 112-pound final at the 2008 Class 2A State Meet claiming his second consecutive state crown.
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Published: July 7, 2008
Perhaps his resume says it all: three state finals across three years.
He's the winner of 93 percent of his matches or 125-of-134.
Two state championship gold medals adorn his trophy case.
Yet, Spring Hill's Schuyler Drew Swanton was in Blacksburg, Virginia this week preparing for the next chapter in his grappling career at Virginia Tech.
Any why not?
His legendary accomplishments at F.W. Springstead paved the way for another honor - Hernando County's Wrestler of the Year nod (again).
The Hernando Today staff and area coaches easily agreed on a consensus with the youngest of four children to Chris and Donna Swanton.
Nature Coast Technical Head Coach Mike Lastra reached states once, so he knows firsthand how difficult the task is to compete at that elite level - let alone stand out.
"He's a great wrestler," insisted Lastra. "He's kind of a quiet kid, who simply takes care of business on the mats. He doesn't run his mouth; he lets his actions speak for themselves.
"After what he's done at Springstead, he's got to be thought of as one of possibly the top five wrestlers this county has ever produced. Period."
On Swanton, "He brought (attack) it to you," admired Hernando High Head Coach Joe McLain. "He brought strength; he was very technical and was always well-conditioned. He's very deserving of this. I know he's put in a lot of work."
Swanton's coach at SHS, Eric Swensen, chose his words carefully in describing Swanton.
"Maybe this (Wrestler of the Year) hasn't sunk in," shared Swensen. "I mean, he's about to wrestle at Virginia Tech. It's another accolade. As he looks back at what he did 5-10-20 years from now, it'll be even more special to him.
"Bottom line, Schuyler earned this," said Swensen, who watched Swanton conclude the season on a 27-match win streak. "He certainly put in the time. He was always at (wrestling) camps."
How solid was his senior year?
Despite an early-season collarbone injury Swanton finished 36-2 this winter, mostly at 112 pounds.
"You know, some seniors get bored by their last year," commented Swensen. "But not Schuyler. If the coaches asked him to do anything 100 times, he'd do it. No questions asked. We're fortunate here. Whatever program gets Schuyler, you'll see the difference in that program."
Swanton: 101
The Dunedin-born Swanton has been training on and off with his future Atlantic Coast Conference teammates.
Though he recently graduated from Springstead with a 3.3 grade point average, he's undecided on his course of study on the Hokey campus.
He's currently concentrating on cracking the starting Division I line-up. At this point, he readily understands what he's up against.
"I'll probably get red-shirted," admitted the 5-foot-7, 135-pound Swanton. "All I'm trying to do is get a chance to compete at 125. We'll see."
Looking back at his days at the Mariner Boulevard campus, what was Schuyler's fondest memory?
"It's gotta be winning the first one (state championship) last year," he smiled. "I remember I was so happy I jumped into both coaches (Swensen and assistant coach Sal Basile) arms.
"When I won this year, it was more of a relief. I struggled a little bit when I came back (from the injury), but toward the end of the season I starting putting things together."
What's on the training regimen in Blacksburg?
"I know I want to get bigger," said Swensen. "I've listened to a lot of people about what college wrestling is about. But I'm going into it with an open mind. I think the coaches there are knowledgeable and will help me be successful."
What about leaving home, any regrets?
"Actually leaving the state was a big deciding factor in me going to Virginia Tech," replied Swanton. "I wanted to get away from my parents. I want to be responsible for myself."
What sold Schuyler on the ACC program?
"When I visited, it was a beautiful campus, beautiful town," he recalled. "I met all the guys and it felt like a close-knit family. It felt like I could be a part of something."
Though Swanton did not leave Springstead as the all-time wins leader what does he feel his legacy will be?
"The biggest thing I took from my experience at Springstead was the coaches," he frankly stated. "If you listen to the coaches, you'll be successful. A big part of my success was listening to what the coaches had to say. It's the advice we shared. For instance, if a move doesn't work 1-2-3 times and they say keep it up, they're right. There's a reason why they think it'll work. Eventually that move does work."
And overall?
"I look back and I'm pretty happy with what I accomplished," he reflected. "Am I the best-ever wrestler the county's ever had? I really don't know. Personally, I do think I'm up there."
Ditto the notion.
By the Numbers: Springstead's Schuyler Swanton (2004-08)
- Compiled by TONY CASTRO
YEAR WON LOST .PCT PINS
2004-05 1 0 1.000 1
2005-06^ 44 5 .898 27
2006-07$ 44 2 .957 27
2007-08$ 36 2 .947 17
TOTALS 125 9 .933 72
^ Denotes state runner-up
$ Denotes state champion
Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at (352) 544-5278 or online at acastro@hernandotoday.com.
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