SXU Football Player Makes CSC Academic All-District Team
For the second year in a row, Saint Xavier University (SXU) senior linebacker Chris Swayne has earned a spot on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team.
To qualify, a student-athlete must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher, start at least 66% of their team's games, and/or appear in 90% of games played.
As an exercise science major, Swayne holds an impressive 3.81 GPA and was a vital part of the Cougars' 2025 season. He was named the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Midwest League Defensive Player of the Week after posting a career-high 18 tackles.
"I feel very honored to be selected for this achievement. I'm very grateful to my professors for helping push me to become a better student," Swayne said.
With a lifelong passion for sports and a desire to play college football, SXU opened a whole new world of opportunity for Swayne during high school recruitment. While playing football was the primary focus, Swayne wanted to find a university that would offer a future post-graduation, and Saint Xavier checked every box.
"I've always had an interest in sports and being involved in a gym. I liked the coaching staff recruiting me and felt they really cared about me and my academics, not just the athletics. When I first heard about this major, I felt it was perfect for me, as it would still allow me to stay involved in sports after my athletic career. I think it'll be great to help others achieve their athletic goals like my coaches helped me achieve mine," Swayne said.
Since then, the senior has hit the ground running in pursuing his future career. Core classes in the exercise major, such as Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Strength and Conditioning, have given him a different perspective on how athletes move.
"Taking Human Anatomy and Physiology really showed an in-depth look at the body and how it functions. I also really enjoyed strength and conditioning, which showed me how different movements can be broken down and advanced for athletes at different training levels," Swayne said.
Now heading into his final semester at Saint Xavier, Swayne wants to package everything he's learned and make an impact as a coach at another college.
"I plan on becoming a strength and conditioning coach at a college sometime in the future so I can help athletes strive to become their best selves," Swayne said.