By Owen Gotimer
LoCoSports Editor-in-Chief
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Sterling (March 15, 2017) – Potomac Falls High School senior Christian Sweazie has made a commitment to continue his basketball career at Fairmont State University starting in the 2017-2018 school year.
“I chose Fairmont because of the feeling of family. Everybody is really close, and all the guys have a really tight bond,” the 6-foot Sweazie said. “The coaching staff is made up of great people. They treated me and my family well and always kept it 100-percent honest with me. They also really believe in my skills and abilities.”
Led by fifth-year head coach Jerrod Calhoun, the Division II Fighting Falcons are ranked No. 3 in the country. On March 15, Fairmont State – and Stone Bridge graduate Jason Jolly (2015) – won the Atlantic Regional title securing a bid to the NCAA DII Elite Eight on March 22 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“I think I’ll add a guy that can get our shooters open shots, and I’ll bring intensity and toughness on the defensive end,” Sweazie said.
That intensity spurs from those who doubted Sweazie – a Cheers and LoCoSports All-LoCo honorable mention – from the time he was a younger player.
“When I’m on the court there are no distractions; it’s just me and the ball,” said Sweazie, who plays travel ball for Uncommon Bulls and Hoop Hill. “My dad got me started playing basketball. We used to play 1-on-1 when I was little, and he wouldn’t take it easy on me. That pushed me to be as competitive and as tough as I am today.”
A Sterling-native, Sweazie grew up watching his beloved Potomac Falls Panthers win state championships in 2010 and 2011. But when his time came to suit up for head coach Jeff Hawes in purple and black, Sweazie chose to don gold and navy at Middleburg Academy.
After three years at Middleburg, Sweazie transferred back to his hometown team, leading the Panthers to an 18-9 record, Conference 14 regular season and tournament championships, and a fourth-place finish in the VHSL 5A North region in 2017.
“This year playing for Potomac Falls and coach Hawes was great. He’s very high energy and really believes in us. He truly has all his guys’ backs and we do too. It’s a confidence booster knowing your coach trusts you,” said Sweazie, who started at point guard for the Panthers. “I wouldn’t trade this past season for anything, playing with some of my friends for the last time. A lot of these memories and friendships I’ll never forget. There is something special about Panther basketball, and I’m glad I got to experience it.”
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Very nice article on a really great young man.