Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder

Floyd “Ben” Schwartzwalder was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1990.

A native of Point Pleasant, W.Va., Schwartzwalder was born in 1909 and attended Huntington High School, where he played center on the football team and earned all-state honors. He enrolled at West Virginia University in 1929 and went on to earn three varsity letters in both football and wrestling. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1933 and a Master of Science degree in Education in 1935.

After graduation, Schwartzwalder began his coaching career at Weston High School. He later coached at Sistersville High School, Parkersburg High School, and Canton McKinley High School. He went on to coach in college first at Muhlenberg College, and then for 25 years at Syracuse.

He served as head football coach of the Orange for 25 years, compiling a record of 153-91-3. Under his leadership, Syracuse appeared in seven bowl games and won the national championship in 1959. Schwartzwalder was a trailblazer in the recruitment and development of African American athletes and coached the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy.

His contributions to the sport earned him numerous honors, including the College Coach of the Year award, the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award, and induction into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, and Syracuse University’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Schwartzwalder also served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and three Battle Stars.

He passed away in 1993, and was survived by his two daughters, Susan and Mary. The Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy, awarded to the winner of the football game between WVU and Syracuse, was established that same year.