Truth can be stranger than fiction.
Consider, for example, the story of Aurora University quarterback Josh Swanson.
A graduate transfer from suburban Milwaukee, he has led the Spartans to a magical 2022 season — the program’s first two playoff wins and into the NCAA Division III quarterfinals.
AU (11-1) plays at noon Saturday in Waverly, Iowa against Wartburg College (12-0) after the Spartans upset Wisconsin-Whitewater 33-28 and Alma, Michigan 48-26.
Remarkably, this is Swanson’s first year of extensive playing time, even though it’s fifth season in college. He has an accounting degree from Sioux Falls and is working on his MBA.
How a Green Bay fan landed here playing for a former Packers great may leave you wondering if it was destiny or serendipity. You know, that fancy word for dumb luck.
“You can’t make this stuff up,” AU coach Don Beebe said.
A receiver for nine professional seasons, Beebe played on NFL teams that reached six Super Bowls, including Green Bay’s 1996 winner.
Josh Swanson wasn’t around yet, but his parents, Steve and Jodi, closely followed that team. Jodi was teaching second grade in New Berlin, Wisconsin, and gave her class a writing project.
Pick a Packers player and write him a letter.
“I told them, ‘They may not write you back, but we’ll see,'” she said. “By and large, most of the Packers responded. I get that some of them were handled by PR people, but it rocked those kids’ world.”
One who responded himself?
Don Beebe.
Jodi Swanson still remembers the name of the student Beebe answered.
“Vinnie Matterise, although I should probably check that spelling,” she chuckled.
Appreciating the players’ effort, Jodi Swanson followed up and sent a card to thank each player who responded.
End of story?
Not quite.
Years later, Josh Swanson reached out to programs hoping to find a school where he might get his chance to earn some playing time.
“In high school, I was a wing-T quarterback that didn’t throw much,” he said.
AU quarterbacks coach Ryan Gehlert, who read Swanson’s email, suggested Beebe meet with Swanson and his dad.
Steve Swanson mentioned his wife’s class project and the impression Beebe had made.
“I was blown away by Josh’s character, and it was one of the best conversations I’ve ever had with a recruit,” Beebe said. “I guess they called his mom on the way home to tell her it went well and she said, ‘That’s where you’re going. It’s meant to be.'”
Josh Swanson, who enrolled last January, won the job in preseason camp.
After moving into a new home in Sugar Grove, Beebe also came across some old boxes he had forgotten.
“I found the letter Josh’s mom had written back to me,” Beebe said. “I took a picture of it right away and sent it to him to show his mom. I guess she freaked out.”
She couldn’t believe it but recognized her handwriting.
“That was crazy,” Jodi said. “Needless to say, we think the world of Don Beebe.”
It works both ways.
Josh Swanson had the unenviable task of replacing record-setter Gavin Zimbelman, a four-year starter, but has made the most of his chance.
Swanson has completed 60% of his passes for 3,297 yards and 51 touchdowns with 10 interceptions for a 172.55 QB rating.
Six of his receivers have 22 or more receptions, while senior running back Jhe’Quay Chretin has totaled 1,530 yards.
“We’re a very balanced offense with a lot of weapons,” Swanson said. “All supplemented by an awesome line.”
That line features Chris Toth and James Shankle at tackles, guards Matt Kickel and Jalen Cole and center Jackson Nazos.
The Spartans will have their work cut out for them, facing a defense that allows only 7.25 points a game and rates “No. 1 in the nation in the red zone,” according to Beebe.
Swanson isn’t a finalist like Zimbelman for the Gagliardi Trophy, Division III’s version of the Heisman. But Beebe believes Swanson should get some All-American notice.
Maybe there’s more to come in his meant-to-be story.