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Maverick of the Month

Rodney Swanigan, 50, was born in Pracy, CA. He was a multi-athlete in high school, competing in swimming, water polo and wrestling. After graduation, he coached in Stockton, CA, and surfed in the ocean. Swanigan launched his musical career in the 4th grade, with violin and guitar lessons, which he continued through high school. While enrolled in a Jr. College in San Francisco, he played in a Jazz band, and also did the musical arrangements. He stayed in shape with open water swimming. In 1974, he moved to Nashville, TN, where he performed Country and Western music for four years. When asked about his love life said, his eyes shifted from side to side as he whispered, "Dolly Parton and I had a secrecy agreement." Swanigan moved to St. Pete in 1980 and teaches at the Bringe School of Music. He has recorded various rock groups and performed with local bands. One gig was at the Italian Pavilion, with another guitarist. The Hutingers have eaten dinner at the restaurant, while listening to his contemporary musical renditions. Margie even accompanied him on the bongo drums for one of his songs. He has belonged to Masters, since 1988, and joined the Mavericks in 1999. He swam 100 fly on a Top Ten, 2nd place medley relay. In 1992, he organized a Water Polo team, which played in a FL league for many tears. "Elvis" celebrated his 50th birthday in paradise. That's right, paradise. Karen, his wife, planned this surprise for two years. She told him a little white lie, and said they were visiting friends in Seattle. At the Los Angeles airport, she asked him where he thought they were going. Lifting his hands overhead, eyes wide open, he shouted, "Hawaii?" That's right, Hawaii. Ten glorious days in a bed and breakfast on the North Shore of Oahu, lounging in the sunshine and hanging 10 in the barrel. Swanigan, and his wife, Karen, live in St. Pete.

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