Hall of Fame
Leader of the Millersville University wrestling program for 15 seasons, Jerry Swope built the Marauders into a national contender and one of the most consistent programs in Division III. He transitioned the program to the Division I level during his final three years at the helm.
Swope’s teams posted a 133-83-3 dual record including a 104-35-2 record from 1970-79. His 1977-78 club finished as the NCAA Division III runner-up. It also took third place at the national championships in 1976-77.
Swope coached five Marauders to individual Division III titles and seven won PSAC Championships during his tenure. Of the 25 Millersville wrestlers that garnered All-America honors, 22 were coached by Swope. The program’s all-time wins leader, Randy March, wrestled under Swope. He also coached Millersville University Athletic Hall of Fame members Andy Zook, Francis Presley and Michael Panarella. Zook won three PSAC titles and a national title as a Marauder. Presley was a back-to-back national champion in 1977 and 1978. Don Wagner, Henry Callie and Eric Guyll also were crowned national champions with Swope as their coach.
He left a lasting legacy at Millersville by starting the Belles Wrestling Tournament, which continues today in the form of the “Shorty” Hitchcock Memorial Classic.
Swope retired from coaching after breaking his neck but continued to serve as a professor of health and physical education at Millersville University until 2002. Swope also coached Warrior Run and Shamokin high school programs. A native of Lock Haven, he won two PIAA titles as a high school wrestler and four NAIA championships and three PSAC championships at Lock Haven University. Individually, he placed third twice and fifth once at the NCAA Division I Championships (1964-66). He is a member of the Pennsylvania District 4 Wrestling, PIAA, NAIA, PSAC Wrestling Coaches and Lock Haven halls of fame.
Swope now lives in Lock Haven. He served on the Keystone Central School District Board and on the Lock Haven University Council of Trustees.
