Dana Cunningham '74 and Friends and Family of Fred Swick '74
“The purpose of this scholarship is two-fold. Firstly, in memory of a great teammate and better friend, Fred Swick ’74. Fred and I played basketball two years together and he was a graduate assistant coach my senior year. Fred was a true Bobcat and played with a great passion for the game. Secondly, my experience at Frostburg was simply the best. From the education to the life-long friends, I cannot imagine going to college any other than Frostburg…Go Bobcats!!!” – Dana Cunningham ’74
(submitted by the family of Fred Swick)
Fred Allen Swick grew up in Rockville, Maryland, and graduated from Frostburg State (College) University in 1974, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Following graduation, he returned to Montgomery County, where he taught physical education/health, first at the elementary and junior high school levels, and in 1980, was hired at the senior high school level. At Poolesville High School, in addition to teaching, Fred also served as the Physical Education Department Chair for nine years, the Assistant Athletic Director for eight years, and the Athletic Director for three years.
Fred had a love for the game of basketball, having played at all levels, including high school and college, where he earned Second Team All-County in high school and First Team All-State Junior College honors while playing for Montgomery College-Rockville. He also enjoyed a successful two years’ of playing basketball at Frostburg, and one season as an assistant under Coach Kurt Wolfe, before he left Frostburg to take a teaching position in Montgomery County.
Fred’s passion for teaching and working with children of all ages was evidenced by his 40+ years of coaching in Montgomery County – from high school boys’ varsity and junior varsity basketball, baseball and football to high school girls’ varsity basketball and softball. In addition, in the summers, he ran basketball camps in his hometown of Poolesville, for school-age children.
During his years of coaching, Fred was honored to be named several times as Montgomery County Coach of the Year for boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball and softball. He was the “all-time winningest coach” at Poolesville High School in baseball and both boys’ and girls’ basketball. He was proud to coach several teams to undefeated seasons, winning numerous regional, county and divisional championships, and in 2017-2018, his undefeated girls’ basketball team at Poolesville won the Maryland State Division 2A Championship.
Fred was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. He passed away of Multiple Myeloma in June 2021.