When teammates are asked what comes to mind when you mention J.D. Swiger, “warrior,” “non-stop,” and “fearless” come to mind. One teammate called Swiger an “enforcer of the defence.”

“J.D. is a real football player and one that we have been proud to call a Dolphin,” said Assistant Principal Mark Glassford to a room full of family, friends, and fellow students on Wednesday when he signed a scholarship, and will play on the next level for the Huntingdon Hawks, a member of the Great South Athletic Conference. “I know the Hawks are proud to have him.”

Swiger has made quite an impact for the Dolphins and in Baldwin County during his high school career.

As a Junior, Swiger led the Dolphin in tackles with 116, was third in the county, and was a member of the Southwest Alabama All Region Team. As a senior, the All-State 5A linebacker and Dolphins team captain had 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 5 pass deflections, an interception and led the team with 174 tackles.

“This is a sad day and a happy day for Gulf Shores High School,” said principal Dr. Ernie Rosado. “I recognize that we are about to lose our seniors, but recognize that they are going off to experience college.”

In reference to his football ability, Dr. Rosado said, “If I had to go to battle, I’d take J.D. Swiger with me.”

For head coach Mark Freeman, there is no doubt he will be the one to truly miss the 6’1” 200 lbs Swiger.

“This is a happy day for me. J.D. is being rewarded for doing the things that we asked him to do,” Freeman said. “I’m proud of him. I am fortunate that I got a year to coach him. I wish I would have had four years to coach him.”

J.D.’s father, David Swiger, also expressed his excitement for his son’s accomplishments.

“We are just so excited because John David has worked very hard,” Swiger said. “He is a great student with a 3.5 GPA and an All-State football player and leading tackler in the county. Huntingdon wanted John David really bad, and said he was a difference maker. I think he will be able to step in and make something happen right away.”