MSU Hockey Player To Serve As Olympic Torch Bearer

1/4/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey

Jan. 4, 2002

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State hockey player Steve Swistak has been selected to carry the Olympic torch as it makes its way from Atlanta to Salt Lake City via Michigan for the 2002 Winter Games. Swistak, a redshirt freshman forward from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., will carry the flame for two-tenths of a mile as it passes through the Romulus-Westland area Monday, Jan. 7.

"It's an honor for me and my family," said Swistak. "It's something I'm really looking forward to doing. It's a great way to show pride for your country and and it sheds a positive light on the university."

The 2002 Olympic Torch Relay began Tuesday in Atlanta, site of the 1996 Summer Games. The 64-day torch run will cover more than 13,500 miles and travel through 46 states before reaching Salt Lake City for opening ceremonies Feb. 8. Among the well-known torch bearers to date - former New York City mayor Rudolph Guiliani, cyclist Lance Armstrong and Pittsburgh Penguins' star Mario Lemieux.