Roy Swindell

Coach ⋅ Class of 1974

Champaign High School

Mr. Swindell coached wrestling at Champaign High School from 1943 to 1956 when he took over as Athletic Director until retirement in 1963. During his tenure as wrestling coach, he won 112 dual meets with 21 losses, won 8 Big 12 titles a number of District championships and 7 Sectional Championships. His teams placed 2nd in the State in 1943 and 1947, placed 3rd in the State in 1945 and 1955, placed 4th in the State in 1950 and 1952 and won two State Championships in 1948 and in 1949· He developed 46 place winners of which 14 were Individual State Champions.

Overlooked by many people were the fact that Mr. Swindell lent his talents to other sports also, coaching the State championship team in golf in 1949 and the State championship team in Swimming in 1950. Along with his coaching and counselling to athletes were his untiring efforts to promote wrestling to whom and wherever he could Mr. Swindell died September 16, 1971, Age 73.

Mr. Swindell was awarded Coach of the Year Status by the Illinois Coaches Association in 1963. He was also the recipient of numerous awards.

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