From Deseret News archives:
Coach's stroke doesn't slow down team
That was about the only aspect of his coaching duties he relinquished as he dealt with both a stroke and heart surgery while his players struggled to realize their dream of a 2A state championship.
The coach had a minor stroke during a tournament three weeks ago in which his left side went numb. Yet he remained at the softball complex and coached his team to wins over 4A and 5A schools. Then, the following Monday, he went to the medical clinic in Blanding.
"They told me I'd probably had a few smaller (strokes) and sent me to a doctor in Salt Lake City," he said. That was on Wednesday, April 30. Doctors found a hole in Swenson's heart that they said needed to be patched.
He checked into the hospital on Wednesday, had the hole repaired on Thursday and checked out of the hospital Friday afternoon.
Saturday he was at the Spanish Fork Softball Complex coaching the San Juan softball team in the first round of the 2A state tournament. His concession to his doctors and family was to stay in the dugout in an effort to reduce his stress.
For a coach whose top priority is helping his players have as much success in life as they do on the softball field, it might seem a contradiction. But for those who know him best, his efforts to put the players and their goal of a state title before even his own health are typical.
"Sometimes ... somewhere along the way, the true integrity of high school sports gets lost," said San Juan assistant coach Monte Lee. "But Craig always shows me he never forgets what it's about. It's about the kids and teaching them to love what they do, respect what they do and to care about each other ... I think he'd give up every single win just to see these kids succeed in things besides softball."
Swenson tries to teach his players that dedication and discipline that's learned in a game can be utilized in a classroom, in a relationship and even in life's most discouraging and frightening moments.
"And it wasn't business as usual, it was fun and pleasure as usual," said Lee.
His players see him as more than just a teacher of the game.
Recent comments
As a Juab fan with very close ties the the softball team, I send my...
Juab Fan | May 12, 2008 at 1:41 p.m.
I have known Craig for years and I have watched him teach kids about...
Great! | May 12, 2008 at 12:23 p.m.
Coach Swenson,
My prayers are with you and your family. I hope...
former bronco | May 12, 2008 at 10:32 a.m.
- Chelsea Clinton is engaged 10:31 a.m.
- Suspect in police deaths still at large 10:28 a.m.
- Gov't pressures mortgage industry 10:25 a.m.
- Sands China stock tumbles in debut 9:21 a.m.
- Vegas pinning hopes on CityCenter 9:20 a.m.
- Saab CEO courting buyers in Detroit 9:19 a.m.
- Court won't disturb $82M award 9:18 a.m.
- Rumor: Papers paid to shun Google 9:17 a.m.
- Salvation Army kettle stolen 9:05 a.m.
- Charges filed in ATM theft 9:05 a.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- Y. student vanished in China
- Max Hall issues apology
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
- BYU is champion of the state
- Boy shot following traffic stop
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
- Cougs begin bowl preparations
- Marriage definitions vary widely
- Utes won't respond to Hall
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
878 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
478 - Max Hall issues apology
281 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
155 - BYU is champion of the state
138 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
119 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
116 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
90 - Hall's legacy measured today
80 - Utes fall to Seattle U. at home
65
We learned a bit more about the basketball team after this weekend.
There are 14 BYU players from Salt Lake Valley. And there are four Utah...
The "financial community" has brought this on themselves. They expect...
That's what's wrong with this country. I'm sorry the woman got hurt but...
Huh, I got spit on and swore at and had garbage thrown at me and my kid at a...
The fact that words will never hurt me doesn't give you loudmouths license to...
He has been great this year. If he can soften his touch a bit he will be an...
I did my undergrad at BYU, graduate work at Utah, and I have heard enough!...
by plan C. Not the supreme being or Perfect being Theology(God) of the Bible....
I can't believe these comments. Lock them up? Punish them? They didn't break...
I have never been more embarrassed to be a member of the church then when I...
Some of you fans are ridiculous, max is great and Mendenhall is fantastic. I...


