Swenson, Mustangs Honored with Pinnacle of Excellence Awards

HUNTINGDON (December 16) — Huntingdon Mayor Chad Edwards presented Pinnacle of Excellence awards to Eric Swenson and the Huntingdon High School football team Tuesday evening. The winningest coach in Huntingdon history and the Class 2A State Champions attended the Town of Huntingdon’s monthly meeting to receive the honor, just ten days after their big win in Chattanooga.

Swenson’s Pinnacle of Excellence Award is a celebration of excellence, extraordinary achievement and exceptional performance, according to Mayor Edwards.

Swenson is the all-time wins leader as head coach at Huntingdon High School. He surpassed the late Coach Paul Ward’s winning record after the Mustangs’ 2025 win against Union City, bringing his total to 170 victories as head coach. After the playoffs, his record stands at 175-52.

Last week, Huntingdon Director of Schools Jonathan Kee announced the playing surface at Paul Ward Stadium will be named “Eric Swenson Field” in honor of the coach.

Mayor Edwards also presented the 2025 Huntingdon Mustang football team with a Pinnacle of Excellence Award. Linebacker Broox Bennett, voted Most Valuable Player by the Huntingdon Quarterback Club, accepted the award on behalf of his teammates.

In the fall season, the Mustangs finished 9-1 in their regular season. In the post-season, the team defeated Memphis Business Academy, Lewis County, East Robertson and Milan before facing defending state champions Marion County. The Mustangs defeated Marion County 20-7 in Chattanooga, finishing their season with a 14-1 record and a state championship.

This is Huntingdon High School’s second state football championship in school history.

The Mustangs’ Pinnacle of Excellence Award recognizes the team’s prestigious accomplishment of being the 2025 TSSAA Class 2A state champions, according to Mayor Edwards.