Rico Swanson led Bethel to NAIA Division II National Championships in 1995, 1997 and 1998, and was named Tournament MVP in 1997 and 1998.  In his four-year career, he holds a tournament record of 16-1, and set 16 NAIA Division II Tournament records.  Almost 20 years later, he still holds tournament records for tournament scoring average, most field goals, most steals and most games played.

 

Swanson is the winningest player in the history of the NAIA, with an incredible career record of 144-12.  He finished with 2,084 points, 770 assists, 660 rebounds and 469 steals.

 

Bethel is a dual member of the NAIA and the NCCAA, and Swanson was named the NAIA Division II National Player of the Year in 1997 and 1998, while he also earned First Team All American Honors in the NCCAA in 1996, 1997 and 1998.  In 1998, he was also awarded the prestigious Pete Maravich Award from the NCCAA.

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