Nov. 16, 2011
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Upon googling the definition of a “steward,” one will stumble upon multiple definitions:
a) one who actively directs affairs
b) an employee on a ship, airplane, bus, or train who manages the provision of food and attends passengers
c) one employed in a large household or estate to manage domestic concern
The Lobo men’s soccer team has a true steward of its own, Stuart Swafford, the team’s athletic trainer who is affectionately known as “Big Stu” by the team and coaching staff.
Swafford is Stuart by name, but also in character, as he truly personifies the definition of a steward for the men’s soccer team. For instance, imagine if you will, Stu’s latest adventure with the team, to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation tournament in Denver, Colo.
The Lobos left for Denver at about 11 a.m. on Thursday via charter bus, but Stu’s duties had already begun. Not only did he have to make sure that his traininig kit was packed and that the guys had all of the equipment that they were responsible for – cones, training vests, foam rollers, etc. – but he also had to be ready for an early morning training session.
Swafford was out on the field setting up equipment before starting pre-practice treatments and taping at 7 a.m. He’s also out on the field during practice, doing what, you ask?
“I shag balls a lot,” Swafford laughed.
After training, it was ice baths and recovery drinks before part two of the adventure ensued – a seven-hour bus ride to Denver.
Swafford’s first task – and perhaps the most important, after loading up the equipment – is to get a team count on the bus, to make sure that no one is left behind.
Easier said than done.
Apparently, the guys would like nothing more than to leave a man behind. At least, their unyielding efforts to botch Big Stu’s count would suggest as much. Yet, Stu has batted 1.000 so far, and has yet to leave a team member that he was responsible for, behind.
One can only assume that when Michael Kafari was left at the hotel in Akron, he wasn’t assigned to Stu’s van.
Stu’s van. Another thing the trainer out of Artesia, New Mexico has going for him. Stu’s van is not exactly his van, per se, just the van that he drives on road trips. Rumor has it that more than mere arguments ensue when deciding who rides in Stu’s van. After all – the control of the radio is at stake, because Stu is the only driver who allows the guys to have their choice in music.While Kafari clearly lost that argument in Akron, one player who makes sure to never lose a van battle is Giovonni Rollie.
“Gio – he probably gives me the hardest time out of everybody,” Swafford said. “He keeps everything light, but always jokes that I’m a “country boy” and talks about cows and stuff – things that I have no affiliation with whatsoever.” While Stu would definitely never call himself a “country boy” – being from Artesia — the southernmost part of the state, bordering Texas — he is definitely a true New Mexican.
Rumor also has it that Gio has a special affinity for the Gator that Stu hauls around in, as well as the van. We’ll say no more on that subject.
So it’s pretty obvious that Stu “actively directs affairs,” – as per definition number one. As far as “managing the provision of food” on the bus? Well, Stu does that too.
The team eats. A lot. All of the time. Part of Stu’s job is the make sure that the bus is stocked with groceries – fruit, wheat bread, cold cuts, granola bars, etc. However, those options are not always the most appealing to some of the players.
“They’re always wanting me to buy them extra stuff at gas stations,” Stu explained. By “stuff” he means, snacks that definitely aren’t allowed. Amongst the illicit snacks are Triscuits and Wheat Thins.
“We’re not allowed to buy Triscuits or Wheat Thins anymore because on our first trip to Denver this year, everyone like, stuffed themselves with Triscuits and Wheat Thins. They were a little full when we got there,” Swafford said.
There’s no definitive answer regarding whether or not Swafford caves to the pressure of prohibited snack purchases. Yet, sources will say that Stu doesn’t often step up to a gas station register without an armful of beef jerky, white cheddar popcorn and candy bars. How his purchases are rationed remains a mystery.
All jokes aside though, Swafford takes his job seriously. Not only because he loves his profession, but also because of his interactions with the team.
“They’re all so different in their own way,” Stu admitted. “I have different interactions with all of them. And its awesome seeing them in a different capacity on a daily basis, that’s something that most people outside of the team don’t get to see.”
Stu’s picked up a few skills from the No. 1 ranked Lobo squad as well.
“I’ve learned A LOT about soccer,” he said. “When I first started, I didn’t even know how to kick a ball. Now, most of the time, I can kick a ball without hurting my foot!”
There’s no denying that Swafford has made an impact, and an impression on the soccer family. He seriously embodies the third definition of a steward as someone who “manages domestic concerns.” He’s in with the team, and with the coaches, and there’s a mutual respect that goes on amongst them.
“The coaches are great. Fish is an awesome person. He’ll do anything in the world for you,” Stu said of the 2011 MPSF Coach of the Year. “He’s hard on you at first, and expects perfection, but when you get down to it, he’ll definitely go to bat for you.
“Paul [Souders], [Brandon] Moss and Savva [Biller] keep things light,” Swafford contined. “They balance the seriousness of Fish. I mean Savva, he’s just like a big kid!”
Eleven guys take the field every game for the Lobos, and the team has worked its way to an undefeated 17-0-3 record this season. Yet it’s the behind-the-scenes players like Stu who really help fuel the team to its continued success.
“Stu’s just an integral part of the team,” Fishbein said. “He’s an incredibly hard worked, has great intuition on when to be serious and when to lighten things up, and he’s a great go-between for the players and coaches.
“He’s as much a part of our success as any player or coach,” Fishbein continued. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without Stu Swafford.”