William “Bill” Swertfager has achieved remarkable success as both a student-athlete and a coach throughout his distinguished career. Driven by a commitment to excellence, character, and the value of family, Bill has dedicated his life to developing not just athletes, but exceptional individuals.

As a student-athlete at Horace Greeley High School, Bill made history as the school’s first wrestling state champion and was named First Team All-State as a football tackle. He also excelled in baseball and track and field, earning recruitment offers in multiple sports. Ultimately, Bill accepted a full Division I football scholarship to the College of William and Mary, where he continued as a standout two-sport athlete in football and wrestling, earning seven varsity letters. He was invited to train at the Olympic Training Camp in both 1980 and 1984. Academically, he graduated with a 3.65 GPA and a degree in Business Management.

Bill has spent more than 50 years in the sport of wrestling—as an athlete, coach, and mentor. His coaching career is nothing short of exceptional, with a 394-151 record and fifteen Coach of the Year honors. At both Horace Greeley and John Jay High School, he led his teams to eight Section One titles, fifteen league championships and over 90 All-Section athletes. In 2016, his John Jay team set a Section One record with 16 sectional qualifiers. Perhaps most poetically, Bill had the honor of coaching Morgan Carey—Horace Greeley’s second state champion—at the very school where he once stood atop the podium himself. Assistant Coach Adam Kern summed it up best: Bill has so many wonderful coaching traits, but his best attribute is his unwavering belief in his athletes. He goes out of his way to recognize each one.

Bill’s contributions extend far beyond the wrestling mat. A lifelong resident of the Bedford area, he and his wife Diane have raised three children—John, Mark, and Theresa—over the course of their 37-year marriage. A devoted member of the community, Bill has coached seven different youth sports and currently serves his third year as an elected member of the Katonah-Lewisboro School District Board of Education. As a successful businessman he is known for his generosity, humility, and willingness to go above and beyond to support others.

William “Bill” Swertfager is the embodiment of servant leadership. Tireless, humble, and wholly devoted to the sport of wrestling and the betterment of those around him, he is a true friend and colleague to the wrestling community.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame proudly welcomes William Swertfager as a member of the Class of 2025 and honors him with its Lifetime Service Award.