June 10, 2003
By Simit Shah
As a sprinter, Bryan Swarn isn’t used to looking back, but the Tech senior spent a few moments reflecting on his career as he prepares for his final collegiate meet this week.
“I can’t believe it went so fast, but I’ve enjoyed my time here,” the four-time All-American said. “I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve had a lot of fun, and I’m just glad I had this opportunity.”
Swarn is one of 13 Yellow Jackets competing in ten events at the NCAA Outdoor Championships beginning Wednesday in Sacramento, California. The Englewood, Colo., native has qualified for the individual 400 meters and 4×400 meter relay races.
The year marks Swarn’s fourth appearance at the national championships. After finishing 10th in the 400 meters last year, Swarn is entering this weekend with momentum after running a season-best time of 45.96 seconds at the NCAA East Regional two weeks ago in Fairfax, Va. As the anchor of the relay team, he helped the ACC champion quartet to a second place finish at the regional meet.
Swarn admits that a national title in either event would be a fitting end to his career. “When you go into a competition, you have to know that you can win,” he said. “You want to go out there and compete, and that’s what I love to do. God willing, I’ll come out on top.
“The experience helps, but it’s still a big competition. I’m just going out there to do my best and handle business.”
Swarn’s mantle is already brimming with hardware, including five ACC titles and eight All-ACC citations, but his contributions off the track will be part of his lasting legacy on the Flats.
“He’s been unique and special to this program ever since he’s been here,” said coach Grover Hinsdale, who is in his 24th season at Tech. “He was very mature young man as a freshman, but he’s really developed and taken on a leadership role in this program. He’s one of our co-captains, and he’s done a great job of keeping this team together.”
In addition to being a team captain the past three seasons, Swarn has served on the ACC and Georgia Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Boards. In April, he was named recipient of the Total Person Award, one of the highest honors a Georgia Tech athlete can attain. He is also a two-time winner of the Buddy Fowlkes Competitor Award, which is presented by Tech track alumni.
“Everyone on this team, without exception, looks up to Bryan,” noted Hinsdale. “It’s just how he goes about his business and the success that comes with that. He’s set a great example, and you can tell that there’s a strong respect for him from the entire team.”
The textile engineering major is also headed down the homestretch of his academic career. He’s scheduled to graduate in December.
“It’s going to be one of the highlights my life,” he stated. “It’s been a long endurance race, so it’s going to be right up there. My education is important to me, so it’ll be fantastic.”
Meanwhile, he’s also planning to graduate to the next level of competition. Swarn qualified for the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials, and he has his sights set on 2004 Games in Athens. He plans on training at Georgia Tech in order to continue to receive guidance from the coaching staff.
“They’ve helped me so much,” he remarked. “It goes beyond track and field, beyond these fences. Coach Hinsdale has always been someone I’ve been able to talk to, and I’m sure that will continue.”
He hopes to follow in the footsteps of recent Tech gold medalists Derrick Adkins, Derek Mills and Angelo Taylor. The trio trains frequently at George Griffin Track, and they have offered Swarn a helping hand.
“It’s fantastic to get some first-hand advice from those guys,” said Swarn. “I’ve asked them about the Olympics and world championships. That gives me some help and insight in how to prepare for competitions.”
The future is bright for Swarn as he prepares to close the book on his collegiate career. The accolades are numerous, but Swarn doesn’t exhibit the swagger that can come with them.
“Probably when I look back, I’ll be like, ‘Wow.’ I don’t think that’s hit me yet,” he said. “I just train hard everyday and remain hungry like I haven’t accomplished anything.”
-GT-
