Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney and starting QB Cade Klubnik Inspire at Austin Ridge Bible Church
By Anne DeVries
On March 4, 2025, Austin Ridge Bible Church welcomed a packed house to hear from Clemson University head football coach Dabo Swinney, star quarterback Cade Klubnik, and Austin Ridge lead pastor Brad Thomas. The event entitled Warrior Night was hosted by Ridge Men—the church’s men’s ministry—and brought together men of all ages for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and a celebration of faith and sport. For Klubnik, a native son of Austin and a Westlake High School legend, the night was a homecoming in more ways than one.
Ridge Men, an Austin Ridge program dedicated to fostering a “community of men that seeks to pursue Jesus in our families, the workplace, and the world,” set the stage for the evening. Their hope—that every man would take the next step in his journey with God and connect with others—came to life as Swinney and Klubnik shared their stories with the captivated audience.
All attendees felt the chemistry of the evening. Brad Thomas, a Clemson Alumni and native of South Carolina, often jokes to his congregation about his Clemson ties, which he proudly highlights in a city dominated by the University of Texas and Texas A&M fans. His love for Clemson Football is no secret. Furthermore, his bond with the Clemson starting quarterback runs deep. Klubnik attended Austin Ridge growing up.
“I am so excited about having my favorite coach and my QB1 here today”. Thomas said as he welcomed the audience. “They’ve been very successful at what they do, and that’s not even the most important thing about them. The most important thing about them is they love Jesus, they have a faith that’s strong”, Thomas added.
Swinney, known for his charismatic leadership and deep-rooted faith, took the stage and shared, “I'm not here repping the paw (Clemson). I'm here repping the cross tonight. Okay?” He spoke about the day that forever changed his life, February 3, 1986, when, as a sophomore in high school, he met Jesus. That same night, he went home and wrote in his bible, “I dedicate my life to Jesus.”
Warrior Night drew men of all ages to the West Austin church. Over 100 cars were turned away from Austin Ridge as the parking capacity reached its limit. For Dabo Swinney, it was the opportunity he most lives for—a chance to bring even one person in the audience to Christ.
Klubnik is known to most in the area as a member of the Westlake football team, who won three consecutive state championships in 2019-2021, and for his performance as the starting QB for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, going 27-0 for the two seasons. His humble nature and deep appreciation for his family warmly emanated to those in attendance.
“I always say my parents did an amazing job raising me. I think that they just wanted me to play as many sports as I could,” he shared. “They raised me wanting me to find something that I really loved.”
Swinney likewise praised Klubnik’s special upbringing, sharing, “I remember the first time I talked to him (Klubnik). I remember hanging up the phone and saying, this kid’s amazing. Then I talked to his mom and dad, and I’m like, this family’s amazing. And God worked it all out. Cade Klubnik chose to come to Clemson. And man, you talk about a special football player.”
Swinney provided the audience with tools for living a meaningful life. His message represented a foundational plan. “You gotta build your life on a foundation of Christ. If you’re truly gonna survive and thrive. Keep your eyes on the Lord and all that you do, believe…. and don’t quit”, he said.
As the evening wrapped up, the audience left inspired by the blend of sports success and personal conviction. For Austinites, it was a chance to celebrate one of their own in Klubnik, whose journey from Westlake High School to Clemson University stardom continues to shine.
Thanks to Ridge Men’s thoughtful hosting, the night at Austin Ridge Bible Church was a testament to their shared values and a fitting homecoming for a quarterback whose roots run deep in Austin’s football lore. As Klubnik prepares for his senior season in 2025, the event underscored the promise of more milestones to come—both on the field and off.
