The Highway 97 Rivalry is a football tradition dated all the way back to 1922, with two towns that nearly mirror each other. Almost identical in size and atmosphere, the Sapulpa Chieftains and the Sand Springs Sandites are two high schools known for their deep hatred for one another. Separated by just one small highway, the two schools have labeled the well-known rivalry as 'hate week,' spatting nasty comments all over social media and anticipating the infamous football game every year.

But one person brought them together last Friday night -- An eighteen-year-old Sand Springs alumni, Swift Lightning Myers. Anyone who was in his presence could be changed by just his smile. Beating cancer six different times in his life just short of two decades, he contained the strength no one could fathom. The Chieftains and the Sandites rallied around Swift, supporting him and making known his battle as "Swift Strong" all across Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.

This seventh round of the horrible disease took a toll on his body like no other time before, and just as the two rival towns met under the Friday Night Lights, Swift met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ under Heaven at the pearly gates. Marrying his high school sweetheart, Abbi just two months before in a hospital lobby on the children's floor, Swift was surrounded by loved ones as he passed away. Long time friend and Sapulpa Chieftain, Paige McCracken paid tribute to Swift saying, "Being a part of your wedding was one of the best nights of my life. I'll be telling my kids about you,"

By halftime of the football game, students and fans had heard the news of Swift's passing, and the crowd gradually grew silent. By the end of the game, the Sandite victory over the Chieftains did not matter, as the two towns came together to cry, pray, and support one another in their time of loss and disbelief. Taking the football field as one, the two teams surrounded each other with the scoreboard dimmed. The score is not what mattered; the only thing that mattered was the outpour of love in a time of tragedy.

Swift Myers brought the rivalry to an end of a mere minute -- impacting lives he may have never even knew. His legacy is one that will never be forgotten as his name will be muttered by others for years to come. In fighting his battle, Swift said "Cancer has never defined me, nor will it ever define me... Yes, I have tough times, but I am so thankful." He will not be known for his cancer, but he will be known for his strength, because he was and forever will be Swift Strong.