James M. Swift (American football)

James M. Swift
Sport(s) Football
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1891 Michigan State Normal
Head coaching record
Overall 0–2 (.000)

Statistics

James M. Swift was the first college football head coach at Michigan State Normal School (now Eastern Michigan University), and is credited for introducing the sport of American football to the school.

Early years

Swift attended B.M.C. Durfee High School, the only high school in Fall River, Massachusetts, where he played football alongside Bernie Trafford, who captained the Harvard Crimson football team in 1891 and 1892.[1][2]

Coaching career

James M. Swift was the first head college football coach of the Michigan State Normal School football team (now Eastern Michigan University), located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and the school's 1893 yearbook credits him with introducing "scientific football" to the school.[1] He held the position of head football coach for the 1891 season.[3] His coaching record at Michigan State Normal was 0 wins and 2 losses.[4] As of the conclusion of the 2010 season, this ranks him No.37 at Eastern Michigan in total wins and No.38 at the school in winning percentage (.000).[5]

Head coaching record

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Michigan State Normal (Independent) (1891)
1891 Michigan State Normal 0–2
Michigan State Normal: 0–2
Total: 0–2

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Aurora, Michigan State Normal School, 1893, p. 85
  2. ↑ Harvard alumni bulletin, Issue 17, Harvard Alumni Association, 1914, p. 207, retrieved 2011-01-05
  3. ↑ Shafer, Ian. "Eastern Michigan University (All seasons results)". College Football Reference. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  4. ↑ "Football Bowl Subdivision: Eastern Michigan University Directory". The Sports Network. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  5. ↑ DeLassus, David. "Eastern Michigan Coaching Records". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved December 30, 2010.