SWAT Works To Spread Message of Love

Sophomore, Patrick Knaubert, practices aerial tricks from the teter-totter.

Southwestern Acrobatic Team, SWAT, will bring more than gymnastics when they go on tour. They also work to spread the message of God’s love. They’re currently preparing for their first tour, which will be in a month, at Jefferson Academy Oct. 26 and 27.

Each SWAT team tour follows a similar format. They host a Friday night worship service, a Sabbath school service and then perform an acrobatic routine Saturday evening. There are 25 members on the team.

“This team has been one of the most spiritual teams we’ve ever had,” says Chad Hutchinson, SWAT coach. “Practices have been going really well. We’ve been able to accomplish a lot of things in just the first two weeks that we weren’t able to do until a month in last year. “

Speakers on tour vary. Usually Hutchinson or Benton Robinson, senior social studies major and team pastor, speak. Any team member is welcome to speak if they are inclined to.

SWAT team practices double routines to incorporate into their performances.

The theme for SWAT this year is love. They have also carried on a theme from last year’s home show: SWAT Du Soleil. It translates into SWAT of the sun. The team has changed it to mean SWAT of the Son.

“We want to show God’s call, which is to love,” said Hutchinson. “I prayed a lot about the team this year. I wanted a team that has a passion and love for the sport, and for God. I hope that we can make a difference, as a team, to at least one person this year, and bring that person to Jesus Christ.”

This semester SWAT will also go on tour at the Union Pathfinder Camporee in Lake Whitney, Oct 6; Starfest, Oct. 31; Acrofest at Washington Adventist University, Nov. 7-11; and Santa Fe Elementary School in New Mexico, Nov. 30.

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