Alumni Update: Katy (Craig) Swathwood – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
March 9, 2015
Katy (Craig) Swathwood was a four-time Big Ten champion and three-time All-American for the Buckeyes in the weight throw and hammer throw from 1998-2002. A former Big Ten-record holder in the hammer throw, she currently resides in Hilliard, Ohio, working as a pharmaceutical sales representative and serving as president of Women’s Varsity O at Ohio State.
See what the former Buckeye has been up to!
Where are you now in your life after your time at Ohio State?
I live in Hilliard, Ohio. I married a Purdue shot putter, Nick Swathwood, and we have two awesome sons! I work as a pharmaceutical sales rep and am very involved with the Varsity O Women’s Alumnae Society. In 2015, I am serving as president of Women’s Varsity O.
What made you choose to be a Buckeye?
Growing up in Columbus and being the child of OSU alums, I was always a Buckeye fan! I never thought I’d be good enough to play sports at Ohio State. When the coach asked me to walk-on, I was over the moon! Ohio State offers such a vast and diverse experience to any student-athlete.
What was it like balancing school and athletics as a student-athlete?
I was lucky to have a lot of support from my family. I’ve seen Ohio State provide support (tutors, academic planning, etc.) to other kids who weren’t as fortunate to have a close and very involved family. One of the many great things about Ohio State is the variety of majors. I think most student-athletes end up switching majors to find the right balance. I started as Pre-Vet and made the choice to switch to Business Administration.
Do you still participate in track and field in some way? If so, what do you do?
I don’t participate in track at this point. I’ve privately coached some high school kids over the years. I miss it! Former basketball players can go to an open gym but I can’t easily and safely go throw a hammer on the weekend! As our kids get older, I could see my husband and me competing in master’s track meets. I’m really grateful that Coach Dennis and her staff are so welcoming when alumni come to an OSU track meet! I’ve been to several the last few years.
What is your best memory at Ohio State both on and off the track?
At the Big Ten championships my senior outdoor season, it seemed everyone was cheering against me since I had won conference the prior year. I was losing to a talented athlete from “That Team Up North” and ended up beating her and setting a Big Ten record on my final throw. That was pretty fun! As a team, we also came really close to winning a Big Ten championship my junior year. Everybody did their part, and with 19 ladies we took second to a massive Purdue team. I was really proud of our team.
What lesson did you take away from Ohio State track and field that you apply to your daily life?
Work hard and dream big. With an amazing coach, John Smith, I was able to overcome more talented athletes because I put in the time. I would have never imagined my track career ended where it did. I got last place in all my events my freshman year! As a result, I think you need to dream big — you never know what can happen when everything comes together in your favor.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years and beyond?
Teaching my giant kids to throw discus! They will be in high school, so I’m sure I’ll be following them around and supporting their dreams.
What advice do you have for current and future Buckeyes?
Enjoy it while it lasts! It goes by in the blink of an eye. I’ve had some opportunity to see what it’s like to be a student-athlete at OSU today through my work with Varsity O and it is truly an awesome experience! Academically, take advantage of the vast areas of study OSU offers; don’t just work towards getting a degree, put thought into what you want to do for the rest of your life!
