Augsburg showed its appreciation for Jeff Swenson on a very big night in Minneapolis, dedicating a “wall of fame” to its former wrestling coach just a couple of hours before the Auggies beat Wartburg in a match-up of Division III’s top-ranked wrestling programs.

The school dedicated its new Jeff Swenson Wrestling Wall of Fame Friday. The exhibit includes more than 30 trophies earned by Augsburg wrestling squads from various national tournaments, along with other artifacts celebrating the history of the school’s wrestling program.

Swenson, who coached the wrestling team at his alma mater to a record 10 Division III titles during a 25-year tenure, stepped down as head coach in 2007 to devote full time to his duties as athletics director. He remains deeply involved in the sport, however, currently serving as chair of the Division III Wrestling Committee and also serving this season as an assistant coach to Augsburg head coach Mark Matzek.

Swenson was beside the mat Friday as the No. 1-ranked Auggies beat No. 2-ranked Wartburg for the second time this season, 21-16.

He also coached 39 Division III individual champions during his tenure, as well as 158 all-Americans, in compiling a 321-44 career dual-meet record.

During the late 1970s, Swenson was an NAIA all-American wrestler at the school, winning a national title at 167 pounds in 1979.

Swenson has led Augsburg’s 18-sport athletics program since 2001, when he was named assistant dean for athletics and recreation. His title was changed to athletics director in 2007.