John Swalec ’56, M.S. ’58, Ph.D. ’75
John Swalec ’56, M.S. ’58, Ph.D. ’75, coached high school wrestlers as an undergraduate member of ISU’s wrestling team.
He placed in numerous conference tournaments as a Redbird. Swalec’s 1964 Joliet Junior College team was crowned national champions. He was responsible for gaining Olympic qualifying status for all junior college athletes, and coached aspiring Olympians. A wrestling official for 16 years, he refereed high school and collegiate events, including NCAA finals.
As a show of appreciation, Swalec has been inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Beyond his wrestling contributions, Swalec was an educator and is president emeritus of Waubonsee Community College.
