By: Alex Kline, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
POMONA, Calif. – Though he may not be the one holding a clipboard or writing the starting lineup, Cal Poly Pomona Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Brian Swanson, has had a massive impact on the success of Bronco Athletics since taking the helm on May 31, 2005. Thursday night marked yet another milestone in Swanson's decorated 20 years as CPP Athletics Director, as the Broncos celebrated their 2,000th win across all sports under his leadership.
In the 3,478 games played across win-loss-tie sports since Swanson joined CPP, the Broncos own an overall record of 2,000-1,372-106, good for a .590 department winning percentage. This marks the highest winning percentage of any Cal Poly Pomona Athletics Director with more than 700 total games played during their tenure.
The 2024-25 year marks the 20th campaign for Swanson at CPP, officially making him the longest tenured AD of the seven to hold the title in department history. Only Karen Miller (1981-1999) and Don Warhurst (1968-1979), have held the position for 10 or more years – both of which have already been inducted into the Cal Poly Pomona Athletics Hall of Fame.
Miller, who was the active Athletics Director during CPP's golden age in the 80's and 90's, overseeing 28 national titles, still owns the record among Bronco AD's with 2,685 wins. Swanson is only the second Athletics Director in school history to eclipse the 2,000 wins mark, doing so in less total games than Miller.
Win-Loss-Tie Breakdown Under Swanson
- Total Games: 3,478
- Overall: 2,000-1,372-106 (.590)
- CCAA: 1,380-929-79 (.594)
- Home: 1,005-483-57 (.669)
- Away: 734-649-42 (.530)
- Neutral: 188-129-7 (.591)
- Postseason: 149-113-8 (.567)
The Broncos have claimed three national titles under Swanson, including team titles in men's basketball (2010) and women's soccer (2024), and an individual title in track and field (2015). Cal Poly Pomona has made a staggering 89 NCAA Appearances since the start of the 2005-06 year, while more recently reaching the post-season in 72 of 80 opportunities over the past eight years. CPP has also claimed 31 CCAA Titles in both the regular season and tournament championships since 2005.
In 2014-15, the Broncos claimed their lone Robert J. Hiegert Commissioner's Cup, awarded to the most successful member institution in the CCAA, putting together the best winning percentage in department history at .730 with a 138-50-3 combined record. Swanson was also awarded the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year the following year in 2015-16.
This past December, it was announced that the Broncos once again lead the conference in the 2024-25 commissioner's cup standings, sitting more than seven points ahead of the next closest school in the CCAA. If the winter and spring sports continue to perform well, the Broncos are well within reach of claiming their second cup in June. If the Broncos can hold on to their .767 combined winning percentage so far this year, that would also set a department record. CPP has finished Top 3 in the commissioner's cup standings every year for the past 10 straight years.
Swanson Career Win Milestones
- 1st Win - Volleyball 3-0 over Western New Mexico on August 26, 2005.
- 500th Win – Baseball 9-7 over Cal State San Bernardino on April 10, 2010.
- 1,000th Win – Women's basketball 74-67 over San Francisco State on February 14, 2015.
- 1,500th Win – Baseball 17-4 over Chico State on May 9, 2019.
- 2,000th Win – Men's basketball 64-62 over San Francisco State on February 20, 2025.
Cal Poly Pomona has a winning record in each of the past 17 consecutive years under Swanson, not having a combined losing record since 2007-08. Now, he's not the one out recruiting, coaching in the gym or on the field, or pushing the team in the final minute of a close game. He is, however, the one that steers the ship and ensures the student-athletes that attend Cal Poly Pomona are put in a position to succeed. And succeed they have.
Swanson's 2,000th win is yet another milestone on a decorated resume that will eventually earn him a spot on the CPP Hall of Fame wall in Kellogg Arena.
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