Hall of famer talks leadership

The Fox Leadership Program underestimated the drawing power of pro football hall of famer and television personality Lynn Swann.

The program presented a lecture by Swann yesterday afternoon in a Logan Hall room crammed with over 100 students, many of whom were forced to sit in the aisles or stand in the corners.

The former all-pro wide receiver was chosen to speak as a result of his diverse leadership roles. After leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl Championships, Swann now serves as the national spokesperson for Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America.

"He's demonstrated leadership skills both on and off the field," said College junior Marc Siegel, the program's student director.

Swann entered the cheering room with a big smile, a relaxed demeanor and sporting two of his Super Bowl rings.

"His super Bowl rings were huge!" College senior Cyrus Shaw said.

Tuesday's audience paralleled Swann's leadership roles in that members were extremely diverse. The diehard football fans filled the front rows, while students with interest in broadcasting and the Big Brother-Big Sister program filled the rest of seats.

With his comments, Swann spanned his entire life's worth of accomplishments. Growing up the youngest of three boys, Swann was first drawn to football by his brothers.

"I didn't really want to play football, but I followed my older brother Calvin," Swann said.

Football ultimately led Swann to the University of Southern California, where he won a national championship while earning a degree in public relations.

A great deal of Swann's discussion focused on his glory days with the Steelers, playing alongside fellow hall of famers Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris.

One audience member asked Swann how he could be so successful with such a relaxed attitude toward life.

"I'm extremely competitive -- I hate to lose at anything. Want to race at tying shoes?" Swann joked.

The audience was full of questions for the football great, who was eager to share his views and past stories with the students.

College sophomore Dennis Watson came decked out in his Pittsburgh Steelers jersey, fully prepared to see his football hero.

"What he did for Pittsburgh's great, but today I gained a lot of respect for him as a person, not just a player," Watson said.

College sophomore Jennifer Hersh wasn't wearing any Steelers gear, but she was equally excited with the event.

"I'm more of a Lynn Swann fan than a Steelers fan," Hersh said. "He was very funny, well-spoken and personable."

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