Coming back for a 5th year takes dedication and a true love for your
sport. This is exactly the case for Anthony "Fat Tony" Swope. Anthony
is managing student teaching, an outside job and maintaining a
starting position at offensive guard. The Chicago native is not sure of
his future, but he seems to think a teammate might know.
Personal
Year: 5th year senior
Major: Elementary education
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Family: Six siblings with dad in Florida
Nickname(s): Swope, Fat Tony, Zoo keep
Idea of a perfect date: This is a question that no man should give an honest answer to. Then we would have to live up to it.
Words to live by: “Take Care of the Living” is one thing I heard in high school that made a lot of sense to me. But I heard a quote from
Steve Loney that has really attached to me and I have learned to live by that says, “Failure to prepare, is preparation for failure”.
Favorites & Miscellaneous
Favorite athlete: Carlos Zambrano
Favorite professional team: Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls
Favorite movie: All the Rocky's or The Godfather
Favorite band: Don't really have one.
Hobbies: Football, working with children, history
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?: Ask
Willie Cashmore... he seems to know everyone's future. I ask myself this question everyday and still have no clue.
Anthony at DrakeBest road trip: The best road trip I have had is the last game of my senior year in Jacksonville. The trip was a great time that included a win. It later included a couple of early morning workouts with the guys.
Why Drake?: Winning record every year as well as the amazing academics that we receive here. Just wish I would have picked a different major that is worth $100,000/yr.
Best part about being on Drake's football team: The best friends that I have accumulated over the years. Already standing up in a wedding next summer for a teammate!! Win or lose, this group has guys has always stayed close. I know that I have 110 guys behind me no matter what decisions I make or trouble I may get into.
Best memory during Drake football career: Beating Illinois State this season. Beating one of those gateway teams had seemed so impossible after getting beat by them every year. I was on the team that finally pulled it out. What an awesome experience.
If you could be any player/coach on your team, who would you be and why? Jacob Craig. I always tease him about how he is “THE JACOB CRAIG” and untouchable. But the things he does on the field and the way he leads the team through actions can make any guy want to be in his shoes. I wouldn't want to feel the headaches that I'm sure some of the guys get after some of the hits he gives.
Favorite professor at Drake: Deb Thomas. Mother of one of my teammates is a special education professor. I tend to be lazy in classes and she really gave me a kick and helped me realize that being in class was important as well as doing the work.
If you could listen to one song before a game, what would it be?: Thunderstruck by AC/DC
Words of advice to the freshman football class: Don't let it just pass you by. It flies! Do as much as you can and love it! Party Party, but do well in school, and be sure to put football before your social lives.
