Clark Swisher was a native of Vermillion, South Dakota and graduated from Vermillion High School in 1934. He want on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in 1938 from the University of South Dakota.
Coach Swisher began his coaching career at high schools in Elk Point and Wagner. However, this was interrupted with a stint in the United States Army.
He began his long and distinguished career at Northern State University in 1946, when he assumed duties as head coach of football, basketball and track. During his 34 year career with the Northern Wolves, he obviously touched the lives of thousands.
AS football coach for twenty two seasons, his team netted 146 wins, 42 losses, and 4 ties. He coached four teams to perfect seasons, and outscored his opponents 5,090 to 2,271 and collected 15 South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference titles. He retired as head football coach in 1969 and assumed duties as NSU's Athletic Director.
Some of Coach Swisher's many accomplishments include Sorts Writer's Coach of the Year in 1955, South Dakota Sorts Writers' Hall of fame member in 1962, Northern State University Athletic Hall of Fame member, South Dakota College Coach of the Year three times, and University of South Dakota Sorts Hall of Fame member. In addition Coach Swisher was the 10th member of the Helm's Foundation
Football Hall of Fame, a Past-President of the NAIA, and was a member of the U.S. Olympic committee from 1975-1984.
Coach Swisher and his wife Doris have eight children. They are Kim (deceased), Clark Jr., Joel (deceased), Steve, Dan, John (deceased), Wendy and Elizabeth.
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