A 1942 graduate of Grand Rapids High School, Swenson enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He was trained as a navigator and served in that capacity with the eight Air Force in England. He flew 24 missions upon his discharge he enrolled at St Olaf College and graduated with a B.S. degree in physical education, with a minor in biology, science and mathematics. He went on to receive a Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota and a specialist degree from Mankato State College. Swenson started his education career as an instructor for the University of Minnesota at the North Central School of Agriculture near Grand Rapids, teaching from 1951 to 1954. He sis everything from teaching physical education and health to running the intramural program, supervising a dormitory, to coaching football and restarting wrestling. In 1954 he took a teaching position at the junior high in Grand Rapids. He was there 20 years and 10 more at the High School. He served as assistant coach in football and served twice as a head wrestling coach, while serving 16 years as an assistant to legendary head coach "Skip" Nalan, Jack Willhite and John Curran. Swenson helped guide the 1961 Grand Rapids team to a State Runner-up finish under the head coach Jack Willhite. Former Grand Rapids great, James Kamman, says "Most of the wrestlers were brought into the program and coached by Swens." All got their start by Swens in the early 1950's, stated Kamman," Many of these kids would not have been able to compete but for Swens providing them a ride after practice. Swenson was a great contributor to Minnesota wrestling having served as MWCA President. He was awarded the honor of "Outstanding Contributions to Wrestling Award." As a head coach, Swenson's record was 34-10-1 and the varsity teams while he served as an assistant were 152-28-3. Swenson was credited with recruiting a number of Grand Rapid future stars while they were young prospects in junior high. He also had made contact with youth as a member of the Grand Rapids Recreation Board for 12 years and Swenson officiated from 1952 to 1965. Swenson is a member of the Dave Bartelma Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Grand Rapids High School Wrestling Hall of Fame. His contributions to wrestling were many and those who worked with him are well aware of them. It's time for a true unsung hero to be honored for his many contributions to the young men he provided opportunities to over the years. Kamman says, "Swenson is one of the true pioneers in promoting and spreading wrestling, especially in the northern part of the state. He worked tirelessly over decades to develop the sport and spread it throughout the State. He started in the era of canvas mats, tights, no tops, and hard head gear or no head gear."