University of South Dakota Athletics

Though best known for his excellence as one of the nation's most successful college coaches, Clark Swisher was an outstanding athlete at South Dakota. Swisher lettered in football, basketball, track, and baseball during his time on the USD campus from 1934-38. "Rabbit" Swisher is mentioned as one of the heroes in numerous game stories. After leaving USD, he coached Wagner and Elk Point schools before entering the U.S. Army during World War II. He was discharged from the military in December of 1945 and on July 1, 1946 joined the staff at Northern State College, where he served as head coach for 23 years. During that time, he had a record of 153-40-4, including four unbeaten seasons. He was selected to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Football Hall of Fame in 1966 and was NAIA District 12 Coach of the Year in 1962 and 1963. Swisher, a three-time South Dakota College Coach of the Year, is a member of the Helm's Foundation Football Hall of Fame. Swisher has three sons who have served as head coaches (Steve, Joe, and Clark).