THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

John M. Swigart - Class of 1924

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Few players made an impact on the Wooster sport teams as John Swigart when he came to the Hill in 1920.  In 1921, the College Football team had just gone through, what was called "the dismal period" going through 6 coaches with a record of W12-L41-T5.  John Swigart was one of those student athletes that would get the program back into the win column.  The Voice wrote: "Swigart - quarterback: Can run, pass, punt, kick goals, exceptional speed, excellent judgment in calling correct plays.  He does it all."

Swigart was also an exceptional track athlete.  In Wooster's win against Kenyon (4/29/22), as an example, he took 4 firsts in the 100, 220, discus and broad jump. He also came within 7" of the school broad jump record.  Johnny continued these winning ways throughout his College career.

It's of interest to note that in 1922, twenty-five athletes (all-sports) earned varsity "W"s - John Swigart was not one of them. 

In the 1922 season, Coach Boles created one of the best backfields in Wooster football history with Swigart at quarterback, Welty/Hurst HB's, and Starn at fullback, shutting out Akron, Kenyon, Muskingum and Case while beating Oberlin 46-14.  Swigart made 2nd Team on the All-Ohio squad.  Finally, Swigard earned a "W" along with 17 others for their 7-1 Ohio Conference record.  After the season, the letter winners voted on the 1923 Captain. Swigart loss to Welty on the toss of a coin.  Coach Boles didn't care for ties in games OR for co-captains!  As fate would have it,  Welty was injured during the 1923 season and Swigart took over as "acting captain".

In 1923, Wooster football went 9-0, shutting out Ashland, Otterbein, Miami of Ohio, Akron, Dennison, and Mt. Union while posting victories against Case, Cincinnati, and Western Reserve. The Black and Gold were declared Champions of the Ohio Conference with Swigart playing quarterback and safety.  Johnny was again an All-Ohio selection noting: "Johnny Swigart QB: "Swi" was one of the best triple threat players ever to don a uniform for Wooster…..an All-Ohio player….wonderful open field runner.  Fine leader at QB".

Wooster Football finished the 1923 season ranked 18th in the Nation according to the published "Thomas System" in 1923! Ohio State was ranked 13th and would come to further appreciate Wooster football in the 1924 season which resulted in a 7-7 tie game.

After graduation in 1924, Johnny Swigart coached and taught at Napoleon (Ohio) High School.  In the fall of 1925, he became Athletic Director and head football, basketball, and baseball coach at Wooster High School.

In late 1925, it was announced that Johnny Swigart had resigned his position as Wooster High coach and would join The College of Wooster staff as assistant coach in football and track.  He would also be in charge of all freshman teams and would perform some football scouting for Boles.  In addition, he would teach some gym classes. 

In the summer of 1937, he earned his masters of Physical Education at Ohio State and took over the head coaching job for Wooster Baseball in 1937.……..The rest is coaching history.

Died 9/4/1983

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