Hilltoppers take in final practice of season, visit with local community

Boca Raton, FL. – Monday may have marked the start of a new week, but the WKU football team was well into their preparation for their upcoming bowl game against James Madison University.

The Tops held their second and final practice of the trip, as well as their final practice of the season, at Boca Raton High School, tightening up any loose ends before Wednesday.

Senior wide receiver Kisean Johnson is heading into his final collegiate game, but making his first ever bowl appearance, and is excited to have the opportunity to take in the atmosphere and environment of the Boca Raton Bowl.

“It’s just been a great experience. Last year, I was on my grandmother’s couch around this time, and I was looking at the different teams playing in a bowl game, and I was like, ‘man, I want to play for something around this time,'” Johnson said.

“By the grace of God, I was able to play in the championship last weekend. He granted me another opportunity to play in the Boca Raton Bowl, so I’m just blessed and I’m taking it all in.”

Keyshawn Swanson, senior defensive back for the Tops, grew up in West Florida, and after taking part in a few bowl games during his career with Troy University, he’s excited for the opportunity to close out his college career with another postseason win, this time as a Hilltopper.

“I want to just go out my last year with a win and really just go out with a bang and have three rings overall in my collegiate career and just give these younger guys the opportunity to experience the same thing,” Swanson said.

And while Johnson and Swanson, along with the majority of the WKU team were practicing, some others made a stop at the Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hosptial to hand out ticket vouchers for Wednesday’s contest.

The giving spirit of WKU athletics is seen often around campus on the Hill, but there are no limits for the student-athletes when it comes to community service.

“We’re blessed people, so it feels so good to come out here and just be with the community wherever we’re at, make them feel good, put a smile on people’s faces, you know, see the kids, see the people in here working hard every day,” tight end River Helms said.

WKU and James Madison will join together on Tuesday for joint media availability at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, as well as a joint pep rally later in the evening at the Mizner Park Amphitheater.