Bill Swiacki

Bio

He will be forever known as the man who upset Army, Bill Swiacki, Columbia's acrobatic Lion. On an October afternoon in 1947, the Cadets brought an incredible 32-game streak to Columbia's Baker Field, only to have a little-known end named Swiacki rise to stardom. Swiacki caught nine passes that afternoon, one for a touchdown; but no one would forget the catch that downed the Cadets, 21-20. Late in the final period, Columbia had the ball at the Army 27 when quarterback Gene Rossides dropped back to pass. The throw was a low liner when Swiacki flung his out-stretched body toward the ball. Swiacki's long fingers clutched the ball just above the turf and pulled it in at the Army three-yard line. Two plays later, Lou Kusserow scored and Ventan Yablonski kicked the conversion point that spelled victory for the Lions. The version of Swaicki's falling, diving, sliding body would be indelibly etched in the memories of all who witnessed that incredible catch. Swiacki played at Holy Cross in 1942, served in World War II, and finished his college career at Columbia where he was a consensus All-America performer.

Career Highlights

• 1947 Consensus All-America
• 1947 Heisman - Eighth