Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1995
- Class:
- 1970
From 1967 to 1970, Swenson was the heart and soul of a dominant Kansas State Wildcat track squad which ran off an impressive streak of conference and national championships. Coached by fellow K-State Hall of Famer DeLoss Dodds, Swenson became a four-time All-American, won four NCAA championships and a trio of Big Eight championships. Swenson also anchored 21 K-State relay teams to first place finishes.
In 1969, Swenson won the Big Eight title in the 880-yard run, and gained national recognition with an NCAA championship performance in that same event. In addition, Swenson anchored K-State’s two-mile relay team to a national championship. On the heels of these performances, Swenson garnered All-American honors in the 880 and two-mile relay.
Before Swenson’s senior year of 1970, he was honored by his teammates by being named captain of the track team. Once again, Swenson would lead his squad to glory. He repeated as the Big Eight champion in the 880, and brought home the NCAA championship in that event with a sterling time of 1:46.3. He also anchored a second brilliant national championship run with the two-mile relay team, and established an American record of 7:16.3.
Again, Swenson raked in national recognition for his performances, as he repeated as an All-American in the 880 and two-mile relay.
Swenson went on to participate in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, where he ran the 800 as a member of the United States Olympic team.Â
