Slidell senior  Lance Swearns is the starting catcher for the Tigers. On Saturday, he hit a grand slam with the score tied at 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth to help his team win, 10-6, over Hammond.

During the regular season, Swearns hit .357 (25-for-70) with one homer, 26 runs batted in and eight doubles, while helping lead his team to a District 7-5A runner-up finish. At Friday’s press time Slidell was awaiting its playoff seed.

SHS coach Sam Abney said Swearns has improved both offensively and defensively.

Lance Swearns

“He’s made some strides at the plate and behind the plate. It’s a luxury to have a good senior leader behind the plate,” Abney said.

The coach added that Swearns does a good job of handling the pitching staff.

“Him, Shane (Riedie) and Sean (Nelson) communicate real well. He also does a good job of handling the young guys,” Abney said.

What do you enjoy most about playing baseball? I like catching. It keeps you in the game because you’re always touching the ball. You don’t have to sit around waiting.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? You get to come out here and play ball. I like the competitiveness of it.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? Definitely, all the freshmen come out here and look up to you. You’ve got to have a good head on your shoulders to set an example.

Most memorable game/accomplishment or situation in sports? Hitting a grand slam against Hammond Saturday. It was a tie game (6-6), bottom of the sixth and two outs. I believe it was a fastball and it was up and in. I hit it out to left center. I knew it had a good chance, but I was hauling down to first base. When I got between first and second, I knew it was gone.

SHS won the game, 10-6.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? My dad Jerry because he coached me since I was five-years old. He taught me everything I know.

Who is your favorite athlete? Detroit Tigers’ catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

Favorite team? Detroit Tigers.

What is your favorite subject in school? History.

Plans after high school/college major? I’m going to Louisiana Tech and I want to major in aviation. I haven’t decided about baseball. I’m going to take my first year off and maybe try and walk on my second year.

Favorite sports movie/TV show/actor/actress? “Slap Shot,” “Mythbusters,” Bruce Willis and Jessica Beal.

Favorite type of music? Any type of rock.

Favorite food dish? Chicken Parmesan.

Best vacation? I went to skiing in Keystone, Colo. It was my first time ever skiing in Mardi Gras of my freshman year in 2004. I picked it up right away. I went with my friend Adam Deniger, a senior at St. Paul’s, and his family.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? I like the competition of baseball. Our district is amazing.

Hobbies/interests/volunteering: I love hockey and flying. My grandpa owns a Cessna plane.

I work in a program called “Project Christmas.” We get a bunch of presents together and give them out to people who can’t afford it.

Parents: Jerry and Laura Swearns of Slidell.