Passing the Puck With Steve Swistak
3/5/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
March 5, 2004
Although Steve Swistak has never registered huge point totals or played a great deal of minutes for the Spartans, his leadership and presence in the locker room is priceless. Swistak is the perfect example that all student-athletes should follow. He trains hard on the ice, and settles for nothing but excellence in the classroom.
1. Full Name: Steve Swistak
2. Hometown: West Bloomfield, Mich.
3. Birthday: April 4, 1982
4. Major: Physiology
5. Favorite Class:
"I had a philosophy class a couple of years ago where the professor is what made the class great. He took an interest in me because of my athletics and academics and opened my eyes to lots of new ideas."
6. Why did you decide to come to Michigan State?
"I am in the Medical Scholars program, which accepts 10 freshmen each year. It was kind of a shot in the dark when I was being recruited, but it all fell together nicely, and I am here for academics as well as athletics."
Steve received 2003 CCHA All-Academic special mention and is also enrolled in MSU's Honors College.
7. What are you most proud of when you put on the Spartan jersey?
"All the hard work, effort, and dedication that it has taken me to get to this point. To finally throw the jersey on and play in front of 7,000 people is a pretty good feeling."
Swistak has played in 31 games tallying two goals and two assists for four points.
8. What is the best advice that was ever given to you?
"I can't narrow it down to a saying, but my parents have always told me to persevere through everything. We have had many inspirational talks that have just kept me going."
Steve says his hero in life is his father. He tries to put as much effort and have a work ethic similar to his dad.
9. What is your most memorable hockey moment at MSU so far?
"The CCHA Finals against Michigan my sophomore year. It was the first time I had played against my cousin (J.J. Swistak) so there were a lot of emotions going through that game. I spent my whole life playing with my older cousins and now I was playing against one of them, not to mention it was the CCHA Finals against our arch-rivals."
10. What qualities that you have developed while playing hockey at State will help you in everything that you do?
"There are many qualities that you develop playing hockey at a high level that will help you throughout life. Perseverance and dedication are big ones; as well as learning the workload and knowing what you have to put in to get out what you want. Whether you are battling in a class to get the grade you want, or battling on the ice to get a spot in the line-up; all the obstacles you learn to overcome on the ice directly apply to the classroom."
12. What are your career plans?
"I plan on going to medical school and being a surgeon one day, but a lot of things can happen between now and then so I am keeping my options open."
