Athletics and religion proved to have a stronger connection than what is usually assumed, as shown by Luke Swan, wide receiver of the UW-Madison football team. Swan shared his story with fans young and old on Feb. 28.

Swan was brought to UW-Platteville by Campus Crusade for Christ, an organization in its first year at UW-P. Kyle LeMieux, Campus Crusade staff member, worked with Swan for three months to get the event worked out. “This has been a dream for Luke and me for a long time, and tonight it’s reality,” LeMieux said to the crowd.

Photograph by Krystle Kurdi
Former UW-Madison football player Luke Swan visited campus on Feb. 27 to speak to students about his experiences as a member of the football team and as a member of the Campus Crusade for Christ.

Growing up in nearby Fennimore, it was a homecoming of sorts for Swan. His father was in the audience with the youth group from his church. When he was growing up, Swan used to go to UW-P for various events, and could not wait to be back, Swan said.

Swan shared his experience, through visual and personal stories for his fans.

“It was really interesting, especially playing clips from the movie and the camp,” Tera Rae Burr, a civil engineering junior, said.

Swan showed a slide show of the influential camp he attended through Athletes in Action and a clip from the movie “The Passion of the Christ.” Through his presentation, Swan made it clear that he was just a regular guy with experiences anyone could relate to, Burr said.

Although football is a big factor in the athlete’s life, he talked about the motivation that has led him to where he is today. Swan acknowledged his talents, but made it clear that he would never have made it without his faith.

“I love everything and anything to do with sports,” Swan said. “But there is more to life.”

He has been involved with sports since he was young, playing both football and track during his high schools years. Swan went on to pursue football, earning a spot on the Wisconsin Badgers.

“I was wide-eyed,” Swan said. “All I could think was, do I deserve to be here?”

It was that question that sparked the drive in Swan to pursue his faith further. Although he had a strong belief, Swan usually kept sports and faith separate.

“I do love the game of football, but there’s something bigger than that,” Swan said.

Swan said the camp he attended helped him put into perspective what mattered in his life. Although training to pursue a career in football upon graduation, Swan does not lose sight of his faith.

“You have to know who you are and what you stand for,” Swan said.

He has learned not to take for granted the achievements he has made, especially since his hamstring injury. Swan is almost fully recovered, returning to almost full speed. He is gearing up for the scout team and potentially finding a professional spot.

Swan hopes to continue speaking to fans about his story, especially through his status on the field.

“Society looks up to athletes,” Swan said. “This is my opportunity to share my story.”