Bill Swift was without a doubt one of Talawanda’s greatest
athletes - ever! He excelled in football, basketball, and
track and field. He was a strong and marvelously
conditioned athlete, rarely coming out of a game. One
opposing basketball coach once remarked, “That Swift kid
could play all night without coming out of the game for
even a minute.”
Bill Swift was a tough and durable running back in
football. He also played defense. His senior year, he led
the team to the M.M.L. football co-championship. He lead
the team in touchdowns, extra points and total points
scored. He was a unanimous first team all M.M.L. all star
both his junior year and senior year.
In basketball, Bill was a starter both his junior and
senior years. He was also elected to the All League first
team. He was as well known for his tough defense as he was
for his scoring ability.
In track and field, he was outstanding in the high jump and
discus and held both of the school records in these events
for some time.
Bill remains physically active and is ranked ninth in the
nation for men over the age of fifty in the tough and
demanding sport of Orienteering.