BELLEVILLE – Southwestern Illinois College will launch its first intercollegiate football program in fall 2027, the school announced, marking a new addition to SWIC Athletics as the Blue Storm prepare to compete as an Independent in NJCAA Division I.
The program will begin under inaugural Head Football Coach Tom Minnick, a 2021 NJCAA Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame member with more than 30 years of experience building community college football programs. The college said the move is intended to expand opportunities for student-athletes, enhance campus life and strengthen connections across the Metro East and Southwestern Illinois.
The inaugural season is set for fall 2027 at Southwestern Illinois College.
“The role of a coach extends beyond wins and losses,” Minnick said. “Mentorship, leadership development, and teaching life lessons through the game are core values I bring to every program.”
SWIC said the football program represents “an exciting new chapter” for the college community.
Minnick has led multiple programs to national championship appearances, according to the college, and has built a reputation for developing student-athletes on and off the field. The college said the foundation for the program is already taking shape under his leadership.
