Aug. 18--Commitment is a big part of Erik Swenson's life.
Dating back to his days at Downers Grove Christian School, Swenson never wavered from his plan to attend Downers Grove South.
Now a senior, Swenson, a left tackle, has started all 29 of his varsity games for the Mustangs.
"There was no doubt: I wanted to always go to Downers Grove South," Swenson said. "No matter what happened, I always wanted to go to Downers Grove South."
Swenson's allegiance to his school dates predates his freshman year. His mother attended Downers Grove South. He lives two blocks from the school and attended many games during his childhood.
Current Downers Grove South coach Mark Molinari saw the early signs of Swenson's never-wavering personality.
"We obviously knew about Erik and heard about him when he was younger," Molinari said. "When Erik was in seventh and eighth grade, a lot of people already knew about Erik already. Obviously, there were a lot of Catholic schools hovering around trying to get him to come to their school. He was dead set he was going to come to Downers Grove South.
"We were concerned and wanted to make sure we got him. We don't get into recruiting, but when we talked to his parents, they said he's going to Downers Grove South."
Nearly two years ago, Swenson committed to Michigan and has remained loyal to the program despite a turbulent period following the departure of former coach Brady Hoke. The 6-foot-7, 310-pound Swenson had his faith in Michigan's program pay off when former Chicago Bears quarterback and San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh was named the head coach at his alma mater. Numerous football powerhouses, including Ohio State and Alabama, inquired about Swenson's commitment during that period.
"It was hard when there was no head coach for two months and I didn't hear anything from Michigan," Swenson said. "I always wanted to go to Michigan since I was five or six years old and wear the helmet. They're a multi-million dollar program and one of the best programs in the nation. It was a hard wait and a lot of people questioned my decision. Now all (of the doubters) are saying I was the smartest kid to stick around."
Molinari certainly never questioned Swenson's commitment to Michigan. Swenson said "his room is 99 percent yellow and blue" and decked out with Michigan merchandise, including four Fathead posters, one of which is a 6-foot diameter Michigan helmet.
"Erik is just a real loyal individual," Molinari said. " Once he makes up his mind, he sticks with it. He always wanted to go to Downers Grove South and Michigan. He ended up getting one of the best college football coaches in Coach Harbaugh."
One of only two returning starters on the offensive line, the 17-year-old Swenson has been entrenched at his position since the first game of his freshman season. A captain for the first time in his prep career, Swenson is adjusting to his newfound status.
"It's kind of weird because I've watched senior night the last three years, and I remember the last three years well," he said. "I never had to worry about that and could just go home. Now I'm a senior. The coaches treat seniors different. The team is looking good. In my four years, this is the best team. We're mentally tough and learning plays faster this year. We're ahead of schedule."
Narang is a freelance reporter.
Erik Swenson
School: Downers Grove South.
Height/Weight: 6-7, 310.
Position: Left tackle.
College: Michigan.
