Craig Swanson '03

November 26, 2002

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn.—The J-Club of Saint John’s University announced its 10 finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy on Tuesday afternoon. Hobart College junior quarterback Craig Swanson (Jamestown/Jamestown, N.Y.) is among the 10 selections.

The Gagliardi Trophy was established in 1993 to recognize the Division III Outstanding Football Player of the Year. The 2002 award will be presented at noon on Dec. 19, in conjunction with the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl activities in Salem, Va.

“The Hobart football family is extremely proud of Craig and his accomplishments this season,” Head Coach Mike Cragg said. “He is one of the most talented players and one of the finest people I have had the pleasure of working with.”

The second-year starter completed 170 of 290 passes this season for 2,209 yards and 21 touchdowns, while completely rewriting the Hobart records book.

Swanson broke the Hobart career record for touchdowns with his 32nd against John Carroll University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He also eclipsed the season marks for pass attempts, passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass efficiency rating (139.6), passing yards per game (220.9), total offense yards (2,067), touchdowns responsible for (24), total offense per game (206.7), and total offense per play (5.96).

Swanson also established new single game benchmarks for completions (26 vs. Alfred, Oct. 26), highest completion percentage (75.0, 21-28 vs. St. Lawrence, Oct. 5), most TD passes (4, three times), and highest pass efficiency rating (234.4 vs. Rochester, Oct. 12).

The Statesmen opened the season with a seven-game win streak, the program’s best start in 48 years, and finished the regular season with an 8-1 record. Champions of the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association for the third time in five seasons, Hobart recorded its first perfect record in league play at 4-0.

Swanson is Hobart’s first finalist for the award.