Any fan of Ardmore football knows the name Cal Swanson. During his career at Ardmore High School, Swanson has left his mark on the program as one of the best to wear the Tigers uniform. Being the “talk of the tailgate” is routine. 

Swanson started playing football around the age of six. Now a University of Illinois commit, Swanson is trying to make the most of the 2022 season with his teammates. 

“What I love most about my teammates is that we all play for each other and just have fun,” Swanson said. “Playing ball is just a time where I can be me, forget about everything else happening and just focus on football.” 

The senior said he’s made many great memories on the gridiron over the years. One that stands out is the playoff game against another tough opponent. 

“My favorite moment at a game has definitely been when we beat Lawton Mac last year off of two blocked field goals at the end of the game,” said Swanson. 

In that game, Swanson threw for 339 yards and won, 41-40 to clinch the district title. 

Swanson said being a student-athlete at Ardmore High School is a great place thanks to the people. 

“It has a lot of diversity in people, a lot of people are easy to get along with and it’s just a fun place,” Swanson said. 

The future for QB1 is bright with his academic and athletic career locked in at Illinois, but playing at Ardmore with his childhood friends is something this gunslinger will miss. “I will miss just being out with my boys, the battles we fight, and the smiles and laughs.”