Valley High School head football coach Gary Swenson earned his 400th career win Friday, Sept. 13 when the Tigers beat Johnston 34-24 inside Valley Stadium. Swenson becomes just the fourth coach in Iowa history to reach the milestone. 

Now in his 51st year on the sidelines and 49th as a head coach, Swenson boasts a career record of 400-128. His wins are the second most in the state among active coaches.

“On behalf of Valley athletics, I extend my congratulations to Coach Swenson on achieving this incredible milestone,” said Brad Rose, athletics and activities director at Valley High School. “This accomplishment is a testament not only to his abilities as a coach, but also to his dedication to the development of our student-athletes. Coach Swenson’s legacy goes far beyond wins and losses – he’s a mentor, a role model and a driving force behind our program’s success. We’re proud he’s a Valley Tiger.”

Since arriving at Valley in 1995, Swenson’s teams are 275-70. Under his leadership, the Tigers have won five state championships (2002, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2011), played in the title game eight times and reached the postseason every year.  The Tigers’ most recent trip to the state championship game came in 2022. 

Swenson is a five-time Iowa Football Coaches Association State Coach of the Year, winning at Valley in 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2019. He also earned the honor in 1994 when he led Spencer High School to the Class 3A state championship. Swenson’s first opportunity as a head coach came at Manning High School in 1976.