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National accolade gives little brother the edge

As an All-American, Schuyler Swanton breaks out of his brother Dustin's shadow at Springstead.

By DEREK LaRIVIERE
Published August 22, 2006

SPRING HILL - When Schuyler Swanton first pulled on a singlet and stepped on to the mat at Springstead, he was looked at as the younger brother of Dustin, arguably Springstead's best wrestler ever.

That no longer is the case as Schuyler, entering only his junior year, distinguished himself by achieving something no other Springstead grappler has, not even Dustin. Swanton, competing in the 98-pound weight class, became the first Eagles competitor named to the All-America team after finishing fifth at the Cadet National Wrestling Tournament in Fargo, N.D. ,last month.

"With all the great wrestlers to come through (Springstead), this is a great honor," Swanton said. "I worked so hard all summer to get down to 98 pounds, and it all paid off to accomplish something that big."

After surpassing almost everyone's expectations during last season's state championships with a second-place finish in the 103-pound class, Swanton's confidence was at an all-time high.

He focused on becoming a more skilled mat technician over the summer, earning a spot on the Team Florida squad that went to the USA Junior National Duals in Oklahoma City, Okla. It all culminated with the Cadet Tournament.

"Last season, I went into states with the mentality that everyone was so much better," Swanton said. "After finishing second, I was surprised at first, but then I realized that I could be a state champion. Now there is nothing I want more."

Springstead, the defending district champion and regional runnerup, will count on Swanton to grow more into a leadership role this season with the departure of another state runnerup in Seth Metz. With the training regimen he has put himself through over the past few months, Swanton seems equal to the task.

"I think he's more than capable of leading vocally when he needs to," Springstead coach Eric Swensen said, "but Schuyler's real strength is leading by example.

"The other lightweights look up to him, and when he works, they know it's time to step it up themselves."

With two years of prep wrestling still ahead of him, Swanton has the opportunity to surpass great wrestlers to come through Springstead like his brother and Corey Hill, both two-time individual state champions.

With this All-America honor, Swanton has already taken the first step toward doing just that.

[Last modified August 22, 2006, 07:14:08]