My name is Michael Kerr and I am in my first year as Assistant Coach of the Wabash Swimming and Diving Team.  I wanted to do something special in memory of Bill Swift, Math professor at Wabash College who retired in 1990. Even though I did not personally know Bill, the countless stories I have heard about his impact on Wabash, the students, local community and the Wabash Swim and Dive Team has opened my eyes on how great a guy he truly was. I have asked Gail Pebworth, Wabash Swimming coach from 1984-2002, who spent much time with Bill to briefly tell us more about him and his impact on our team.

John and I, along with all of the swimmers and divers, would like to send out our deepest condolences to Bill’s family, friends and colleagues. We would also like to thank Gail Pebworth for her words on Bill Swift, the voice of Wabash Swimming and Diving.

William C. Swift

     Swimmers and divers during my coaching era will remember Mathematics Professor Bill Swift who served for many years, at my request, as the “Golden Throat” Announcer for Wabash College Swimming and Diving home competitions.

     Having seven sons and a daughter involved in age group and high school swimming programs and his wife Ellen a swimming teacher and coach for Sugar Creek Swim Club and Crawfordsville High School, Bill Swift knew swimming and diving.  In addition, he took special efforts to check out lineups and inquire of coaches the correct pronunciation of all athletes—Little Giants and visiting competitors.

     Bill Swift had an announcer’s voice and with his Kentucky accent, gracious manner and sense of humor, he enhanced tremendously our Wabash swimming and diving competitions.  He was respected and appreciated by coaches, athletes, parents, visiting fans and, of course, all Little Giants.  Bill was an excellent diving announcer and always introduced divers who “will perform” a given dive rather than what many other announcers commonly would say “will attempt” the dive.

     Bill Swift continued to volunteer his time and announcing skills long after he retired from teaching mathematics in 1990.  When we moved the Fall Wabash Invitational to the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis, Bill traveled over each year and was highly regarded by coaches, athletes, and fans from teams throughout the Midwest.

     Bill Swift volunteered countless hours at Wabash Swimming and Diving competitions and represented the kind of special faculty support for students outside the classroom that is a tradition and pride of Wabash College. Bill Swift was “Some Little Giant!”

Gail Pebworth

Wabash Swimming Coach 1984-2002