Legendary North Penn Coach Inducted Into PA Hall Of Fame: 2016 in Review

This story first appeared on Patch in February 2016.

LANSDALE, PA – Legendary North Penn High School track and field coach Richard A. Swanker has been elected to the Pennsylvania High School Track and Field Hall of Fame, the school district announced in a press release.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1995 to honor the elite individuals in Pennsylvania’s distinguished track and field history. Swanker was elected by a selection committee consisting of more than two dozen coaches, officials, and journalists. Each year, six to 12 athletes, one coach, one contributor and one distinguished alumnus are inducted.

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Swanker, a NPHS class of ’66 alumnus, has long served as an outstanding coach, official and administrator at NPHS and in the North Penn community. His accomplishments include:

• Executive Secretary of the Track & Field Coaches’ Association of Greater Philadelphia (2004 - present)
• PIAA District I Chapter Interpreter (2009 - present)
• PIAA State Championship Meet official: Pole Vault (2010-11); Javelin (2012-2014)
• PTFCA State Indoor Championship Meet official: Pole Vault (2004-14)
• Penn Relays Honorary High School Boys Referee (2008)
• Five-time PTFCA Coach of the Year
• North Penn Boys Head Coach tenure (1982-2005) included 16 undefeated outdoor seasons, a Penn Relays Distance Medley Relay title (2002), four District I team titles (1984, 1992, 2003, 2005), and a PIAA state team title (2002)
• North Penn Girls Assistant Coach, Indoors and Outdoors (2005 - present)

Swanker attended an induction ceremony held on February 28, 2016 during the Indoor State Championship Meet at Penn State University.

Patch file photo.