LAKE RIDGE, Va. — The auxiliary gym at Woodbridge Senior High School was renamed “Gus” in honor of a former teacher and wrestling coach.
Community members gathered Saturday at the high school in Lake Ridge to rename a utility gym in honor of David “Gus” Swaggard who helped lead the Woodbridge Viking Wrestling Team to their first-ever championship win during the 1973 -74 season. Swaggard also helped the team get its first shutout win, a 49-0 victory.
Mike Copperhite wrestled for Swaggard and helped to organize Saturday’s dedication ceremony.
“One time as an 86 pound, soaking wet sophomore…at the old Woodbridge High School (now Woodbridge Middle School), I was leaving practice and was about 100 plus yards away when I saw Coach Swaggard getting into his cool blue brand new Dodge Roadrunner.
“I yelled in smart-alecky way ‘see ya later, Gus.’ He yelled back ‘what did you say?’ … Folks, let me tell you a 200 yard head start was not far enough and I was part of the Cross Country team that brought Woodbridge its first State Championship ….He did not hurt me, too much,” said Copperhite.
Swaggerd got the nickname “Gus” from siblings who said he looked like a mouse from Disney’s Cinderella. He didn’t, however, like anyone calling him by that name.
As wrestling coach from 1974 to 1979 Swaggard led the Woodbridge team to two state titles.
When not coaching wrestling, Swaggard taught drafting and industrial arts. He met his wife, Dottie, while at school – she was an art teacher.
A native of Washington, Pa., Swaggard died in May 2008 and was 58-years-old.
“The Gus Room is to be remembered for the coach and student athletics that came here before you. Who drilled, sweated, worked and stove to achieve, to give it their best and to never, never, never, ever quit.”
“Like the rock at Clemson University, the Wall at Notre Dame, the Big T and University of Tennessee, you are to touch the Gus plaque when entering the room in honor and in reverence to those who give and gave and asked and ask of you to be the best student athlete you can be,” said Copperhhite.
A memorial scholarship will be developed and awarded to Woodbridge Senior High School Athletes who show the most improvement over the course of four years in high school.
