Le Sueur's Swanberg honored in MNIAAA Hall of Fame

For over 30 years, Dave Swanberg has been helping students grow on and off the field.

The former Le Sueur-Henderson assistant principal and activities director has been a steadfast figure in high school activities and athletics. Between 1986 and 2018, Swanberg wore many hats, serving as the school’s varsity baseball coach, assistant baseball coach, assistant golf coach, girls track coach, assistant girls hockey coach, and a long-time assistant football coach.

Swanberg’s long history of contributions to the world of school athletics were recognized last month when the Minnesota Interscholastic Activities Administrators Association inducted Swanberg into the MNIAAA hall of fame. The long-time coach is the second person representing Le Sueur to be inducted in the hall of fame during its 36-year history, following Bruce Frank’s induction in 1992.

Swanberg has spent a lifetime bolstering student athletics. Growing up in East Grand Forks, Swanberg was a dedicated three sport athlete, splitting his time between football, hockey and track. In hockey, he was a member of the 1979-1980 team which played in that year’s state tournament.

During his high school career, Swanberg learned from coaches Gary Berg, Tony Palmiscino, Frank Anzelone and Buzz Olson, whose disciplinarian “firm and fair” attitudes toward coaching went on to influence how Swanberg would lead his own students at Le Sueur-Henderson.

“I don’t think I was always the easiest person to coach, and there were times when they had to step on me and it was always warranted, but I always felt I responded to that discipline as well,” said Swanberg.

The budding athlete continued to play football and hockey and run track for the Cobblers while attending Concordia College in Moorhead. During his sophomore year, Swanberg earned All-American honors in the 400 meter dash. Swanberg went on to graduate from the school in 1985 with a degree in physical education and health.

After a year teaching at his old high school, East Grand Forks High, Swanberg went on to take a teaching and coaching position at Le Sueur High School. Swanberg said it was the opportunity to coach multiple sports which drew him to the Le Sueur area, and it wasn’t long before he would call the community his permanent home.

The coach has headed many teams over the years and oversaw the Le Sueur boys hockey team, as it merged with St. Peter to become the Minnesota River Bulldogs. Throughout his career, Swanberg has experienced plenty of wins and losses, but the coach stressed that it’s the victories off the field that count the most.

“The highlights are when you see [students] 10 years outside of high school and they’re productive members of society,” said Swanberg. “They’re good people, they’re good parents, they’re hardworking individuals, and that’s fun.”

Coaching is Swanberg’s passion, but it has also come with its fair share of challenges. The biggest sacrifice he’s had to make is taking time away from family.

“Thankfully, I’m married to a wonderful individual who understands and knows that I’m passionate about coaching and has been the primary caregiver,” said Swanberg. “Sometimes, you have to miss out on your own children’s activities, and that’s no fun.”

While coaching at times has taken him away from seeing his own kids on the field, it’s also given Swanberg the rare opportunity to coach all three of his children during his high school career.

Swanberg had the pleasure of mentoring his eldest daughter Amanda in track and basketball, his daughter Samantha in cross country and hockey and his son Jack was in football, hockey and baseball. Today, two of Swanberg’s kids have followed in his footsteps, becoming teachers and coaches in their own right.

In semi-retirement from his role at Le Sueur-Henderson, Swanberg continues to be involved in student athletics. He’s continued to serve as an assistant girls hockey coach and will be temporarily returning to his role as activities director for the 2024-2025 school year, coordinating the activities at the new Le Sueur-Henderson Elementary School.

Since 2019, Swanberg has also served as the Minnesota State High School League Section 2A Secretary, where he coordinates sites for section tournaments and recruits officials to help run them.

Outside of his career in athletics, Swanberg serves a member of the Le Sueur City Council and volunteers with the Le Sueur Lions Club.