By John Mesh
Ryan Swanson, a Hutchinson High School graduate and former coach at Hutchinson Community College and Buhler High School, died at the age of 56 last Saturday at Hospice House.
Swanson died following a medical emergency while on vacation in Branson, Mo.
A celebration of Ryan Swanson’s life will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
Swansson graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1987. He attended Hutchinson Community College and Kansas State University, where he graduated in 1991.
Swanson played basketball for Hutchinson High School as well as HutchCC.
In 1988, Swanson helped the Hutchinson Blue Dragon men’s basketball team win the NJCAA Division I national basketball tournament.
After graduating from Kansas State, Swanson began his career coaching men’s basketball teams at various colleges, including Kentucky, Iowa, Wisconsin and Garden City.
From 2006-2009, Swanson coached the Hutchinson Blue Dragons.
From 2015-2022, Swanson coached the Buhler High School Crusaders.
“Throughout his coaching career, Ryan made thousands of connections with coaches, athletes, families and the media, leaving an impact on everyone he ever met,” said Swanson’s obituary.
Ryan Swanson’s full obituary — https://www.elliottmortuary.