Jeff Swanson has proven to be a standout competitor this year for the Augustana College Track and Field team. On Sunday, Swanson was announced the winner of rookie of the year award at the first annual Gus Gala Awards.
Swanson has made his way into a coveted spot on the national champion 4×4 team. His debut running with the squad was at the Drake relays. Here Swanson earned a personal record of 47.92, running the third leg of the relay, replacing Keith Cline.
“It was really cool,” said Swanson. “Being lucky enough to run with David, David, and Isaac. They are great athletes and it is a great opportunity, I just want to make the most of it.”
Swanson knew he was going to race at Drake about a week prior, but instead of focusing on nerves he viewed it as purely opportunity. He described being a little nervous, but mostly excited.
“It keeps people motivated,” says Swanson, on the competitiveness for a spot on the 4×4 team. “Everyone is supportive. It is all about everyone being the best they can be and who can help the team the most.”
“Jeff is one of the most genuine people I’ve met at Augie,” says senior caption David Voland. “He is a great athlete and a great person. Not only is he naturally gifted, but he also works hard.
Currently, the team had been toning it down, to ensure fresh legs for conference. Swanson ran the open four hundred and the open two hundred at conference.
Looking forward Swanson has nationals as a goal. He says that it was his top goal coming into Augustana, but that he never expected to already almost be there. Currently he is tied for 8^th in the open four.
“I can’t believe how close I am to come of those goals already,” said Swanson. “I might qualify for the open four, but I can’t think about it. I am trying to take one step at a time.”
“I see a lot of what myself as a freshman was,” said David Devore, a senior on the team and part of national champion 4×4 team. “He is very innocent and humble. Even though he has had such success he stays down to earth and it doesn’t get to this head.”
“He has exciting things ahead of him,” says Voland. “I think he could see some individual All American Awards, maybe a national title.”