MC alum Brad Swendig inducted into WJCAC Hall of Fame

By Lesley Isaacs
Media Specialist

Former Midland College Chaparral swimmer Brad Swendig will be formally inducted into the 2012 Class of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference Hall of Fame on Monday, February 13, 2012 at halftime of the men’s Midland College vs. New Mexico Junior College basketball game. Swendig was a six time NJCAA All-American swimmer for the Chaparrals in 1977.

Swendig began competing as a swimmer for the City of Midland Swim Team as a ninth grader. His love of swimming and competition followed him through his high school years where he was also a member of the Robert E. Lee High School swim team. Swendig graduated from Midland Robert E. Lee High School in the Class of 1975.

Following high school Swendig went to Texas A&M University for one year before he transferred to Midland College and joined the swim team.

At the 1977 NJCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships, the Chaparrals finished as the national runner-up and ahead of a field of 23 teams. Individually the Chaps were led by their team captain Brad Swendig who won four event championships and earned six NJCAA All-American designations. Later that year Brad was named to participate in the USA-USSR University Games in Leningrad. Swendig earned an Associate’s degree in Math and Science from Midland College.

In addition to being a championship swimmer and the Director of COM Aquatics, Brad served as the Chairman of the Texas State Swimming Association for two years, winner of the 2003 Scott Seater Award for Community Involvement, he has coached several state and national championships and he has brought Olympic quality swimming and diving competitions to Midland on many occasions.

Swendig has been married to his wife of 20 years, Julie and they have two children, Ashley and Alex. He is currently the Executive Director of the City of Midland Mabee Aquatics Center.

Also on Monday, the Midland College Lady Chaps will be observing their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night during their 5:45 p.m. basketball game. Fans are asked to wear pink in support of the event.

For more information, please contact Forrest Allen, Midland College Athletic Director at (432) 685-6436.