Rockhurst senior and Mission Hills resident Cole Swanson has found that through wrestling and the Architectural and Engineering Club, he’s fueled his competitive spirit while encouraging his teammates and connecting with people in his community.

Cole Swanson loves to win almost as much as he loves to see his teammates win. 

Freshman year, Cole joined the Shawnee Mission East wrestling team and was immediately drawn in by the strenuous and competitive nature of the activity. Now, three years later, he’s a varsity wrestler at Rockhurst. 

But for Cole, it isn’t just about the rigor and physical activity. 

“I enjoy winning,” Cole said. “[But] I also enjoy the connections I make with my community. My neighbor recently learned I wrestle, and since he was once a wrestler himself, he’s asked if he can go to one of my tournaments. That simple connection means everything to me these days.” 

Connecting with people through his sport comes easily to him, and he has the natural ability to be competitive on the mat and a team leader off the mat. Despite living for placing in tournaments and beating opponents, according to Cole, some of his favorite memories are of his teammates and watching them win. To him, witnessing them win is just as exhilarating as winning himself. 

And his team spirit doesn’t stop when he leaves the gym. Off the mat, Cole participates in the Architectural and Engineering Club and has found a second passion in it. Here, he always makes sure to lift up other club members and congratulate them on their successes. 

While his entire family is a constant source of encouragement for his high-achieving self, his dad, Erik Swanson, is where he’s found his true motivation.

“He’s done everything for me, from being my biggest fan to my personal trainer,” Cole said. “He really wants me to succeed.” 

Cole is currently competing in his last season of wrestling and will continue to work with the Architectural and Engineering Club until he can take his skills and ability to uplift people to K-State, where he plans on studying medical engineering.