# Ep. 169 - Built to Last: Why You Don’t Quit When Life Gets Hard ft. Coach Mike Swider, Rod VanSolkema, Tryg Veker

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-locker-room-6622323/ep-169-built-to-last-why-you-don-t-quit-when-life-gets-hard-ft-coach-mike-swider-rod-vansolkema-tryg-veker
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-locker-room-6622323/ep-169-built-to-last-why-you-don-t-quit-when-life-gets-hard-ft-coach-mike-swider-rod-vansolkema-tryg-veker.md
Podcast: [The Locker Room](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-locker-room-6622323)
Published: 2026-06-16T17:26:03+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/quinn-humphrey5/episodes/Ep--169---Built-to-Last-Why-You-Dont-Quit-When-Life-Gets-Hard-ft--Coach-Mike-Swider--Rod-VanSolkema--Tryg-Veker-e3kses6
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/e8fa0184/podcast/play/121567558/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-5-16%2F426260727-44100-2-8b5adcd4f358b.mp3
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Duration seconds: 4716

## Resource

Back by popular demand, Coach Mike Swider joins us to talk about what it really takes to endure when life gets hard. This conversation gets into resilience that isn’t hype, but forged over time, how faith anchors you in pressure, and why quitting quietly is often the biggest battle. We also talk fatherhood, responsibility, and becoming the kind of man who stays when things get difficult. Coach Swider is a respected figure in college football, having spent over two decades as the head coach at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Serving from 1997 to 2021, he became known not only for his success on the field but for his unwavering commitment to character, faith, and leadership beyond the game. During his 35 years at Wheaton, including 24 as head coach, he amassed 209 career wins with a win percentage over 80%. But what truly set his coaching apart was his dedication to building a program rooted in integrity, humility, accountability, and servant leadership. These weren’t just ideals—they defined the culture, shaping a program as committed to spiritual growth as it was to athletic excellence. His vision extended far beyond winning games. His goal was to develop young men into leaders—men prepared to make a lasting impact in their families, communities, and the world. His legacy stands as a powerful example of what a Christ-centered life and leadership can produce over time.

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