Hall of Fame
Position: End
Years: 1942, 1946-1947
Place of Birth: Southbridge, MA
Date of Birth: Oct 02, 1922
Place of Death: Sturbridge, MA
Date of Death: Jul 07, 1976
Jersey Number: 81
Height: 6-2
Weight: 198
Other College: Holy Cross
High School: Southbridge, MA (Westbury HS)
He will be forever known as the man who upset Army, Bill Swiacki, Columbia's acrobatic Lion. On an October afternoon in 1947, the Cadets brought an incredible 32-game streak to Columbia's Baker Field, only to have a little-known end named Swiacki rise to stardom. Swiacki caught 9 passes that afternoon, one for a touchdown; but no one would forget the catch that downed the Cadets, 21-20. Late in the final period, Columbia had the ball at the Army 27 when quarterback Gene Rossides dropped back to pass. The throw was a low liner and the crowd began to moan in despair when Swiacki flung his out-stretched body toward the ball. The groans suddenly erupted into wild cheers as Swiacki's long fingers clutched the ball just above the turf and pulled it in at the Army three-yard line. Two plays later, Lou Kusserow scored and Ventan Yablonski kicked the conversion point that spelled victory for the Lions. The version of Swaicki's falling, diving, sliding body would be indelibly etched in the memories of all who witnessed that incredible catch. Swiacki played at Holy Cross in 1942, served in World War II, and finished his college career at Columbia.
