Carl Swan

Lineman (1946 & 1948)

Carl Swan grew up in Caney, Kansas. His dream of becoming a football coach was temporarily set aside with the advent of World War II as he enlisted in the Air Force in 1944. After the service, he traveled the country taking different jobs, such as logging in Oregon.  In 1946, Carl attended CCJC on the GI Bill along with 40 other players who had been in the service. He started at guard and was selected as the Second Team All Conference on this undefeated team with a regular season record of 9-0. 

Like all football players at that time, Carl had a job in the community working for Page Milk Company where met his future wife Nona Holt.  Swan didn’t play on the 1947 Raven team as he went to work in the Wyoming oil fields.  The University of Wyoming put him on scholarship for the 1948 season, but before the season began he was homesick and found a ride back to Coffeyville in time to play for the Ravens.  As a captain, he led his team to a 9-0-1 season and the Ravens played in the Wheat Bowl against Hutchinson.  He and two other players went on to play football for the University of New Mexico.

When he was unsuccessful at securing a coaching job, Carly pursued other avenues that lead him back to the oil industry.  He worked as the Division Manager of Magcobor for 12 years.  In 1964 he started Basin Drilling, Inc. and later sold the company to form and obtain eight energy-related companies.  His many business ventures included raising thoroughbred racehorses.

In 1975, when the Ravens went 11-0, Carl flew a group of family and friends to Roswell, New Mexico, to watch the Wool Bowl.  He had listened to every Red Raven game on the radio that season.

“Small colleges like CCJC helped me get where I have been successful throughout my life,” said Carl. “Football helped me get through the good times, as well as the tough times in my life journey.”