- Date Of Birth: October 2, 1923
- Date Of Death: August 12, 2016
- State: Connecticut
Elmer Swanson passed away on August 12, 2016, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by the love and warmth of family and friends in the preceding days. Elmer was born to the late Nettie Mae (Freeman) and John Elmer Swanson on October 2, 1923. He grew up in Detroit, where he began his double sport scholar athlete career hurdling at Northeastern High School. He continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he competed as a catcher and first baseman for the baseball team and as a hurdler on the track team. He won major titles for the Wolverines, including the 1944 Big Ten hurdles and Purdue Relays. His collegiate career was interrupted by a stint with the Marine Corps. Upon his honorable discharge, he finished his degree and earned a Master of Arts. Elmer was drafted in 1946 to play professional baseball with the Detroit Tigers, competing in Williamsport and Hagerstown for three seasons. He then began his illustrious coaching career as assistant track and field and cross-country coach at Michigan, helping garner nine Big Ten Championships. In 1963, he was named head coach of the track and cross-country teams at Wesleyan University, and he and his family moved to Connecticut. Known for his laidback coaching style, Elmer guided the men’s and women’s teams to Little Three, NESCAC and New England championships. He coached several All-Americans, Olympians, and nationally prominent runners.
