Ike’s Swigert knows grid career almost at end

When seniors start checking off their final games in any sport, there are going to be emotional highs and lows as they see something they have enjoyed for several years about to come to an abrupt ending.

For Eisenhower linebacker Tristan Swigert that point in his career has arrived and for a good student who loves math, the numbers are not looking good.

“Now we are pretty much going to have to win out to get into the playoffs,” he said. “As seniors we are realizing our football careers are pretty much over in a few weeks. The reality is that not that many high school players will get the opportunity to play in college.”

The Eagles have four games remaining and two of those are against teams fighting for the District 6AII-1 title; Piedmont tonight and Choctaw in three weeks.

The other two games are against Northwest Classen and U.S. Grant, teams that the Eagles will be favored to win. The formula to make the playoffs for the Eagles would be for them to upset Choctaw or Piedmont.

“Piedmont is really good offensively and they don’t do anything flashy,” Swigert said. “We are going to have to stop the dive and their quarterback. They are a scrappy bunch with a good deal of downward movement along their offensive line.

“One thing has shown up rather clearly on video; they will not throw the ball very often. If they throw six passes, that’s about their average.”

The Ike defense has had to endure some of the same problems the offense has faced with inju-ries to key players like Serrie Sheridan, the fastest player for the Eagles and a two-way stand-out.

“The injuries have really affected the offense,” he said. “Our offensive line is rather young and while they are improving it’s been hard to maintain consistency.”

Swigert has enough credits to graduate and while he’s planning to use his math skills in some manner but he has a backup plan as well.

“I’m going to work to get a CDL which will be a good backup plan,” he said. “You always want to have some options for the future.”

One thing the senior is doing is saving money when it comes to eating.

“I’m a guy who is happy with fast food,” he said. “Give me McDonald’s and I can go crazy. There are other places out there but some of them have pretty high prices.”

After tonight’s game against Piedmont, you will probably find Swigert at home playing pool.

“I have a regulation-size table with slate base,” he said. “It takes a good deal of time and effort to get it level. I love playing but there is a problem at times.

“You get a good table and everyone want to come over and play and hang out.”

While he loves playing pool, he’d much rather have a chance to get to the playoffs with the Ea-gles and he knows that tonight’s game is one Ike needs to win to get that opportunity.