Augustana College Athletics

Art Swedberg has been called the “Father of Modern Augustana Athletics”. He was one of the school’s first truly great basketball stars, while also participating in track and tennis. In basketball he was a four year starter, was twice named captain of the squad and was named center on the All-State team in 1917, which included players from every college and university in Illinois.

Following his graduation in 1917, he returned to his alma mater serve as a physical education instructor, coach and athletic director. He coached basketball, football, baseball and track, with his basketball teams racking up 142 wins against just 85 losses. He passed away in January of 1977.