- Jul 19, 2011
- 11,546
- 17,208
He was a classmate of the mom of one of D's teammates. So devastating 
I have been following this story all week with her. He was an incredible gymnast, apparently known for his release moves at OU. Always sad to lose a gymnastics community member..
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The Sooner family suffered a tragic loss today with the untimely passing of one of our own, Ric Swezey. A member of the 1991 National Championship team, Swezey also competed nationally with the Sooner cheer squad after completing his gymnastics eligibility.
He went on to put his gymnastics talents to use at Disney World. First, as a performer, in both the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and as one of the original Tumble Monkeys in the Festival of the Lion King show, and later as a recruiter who brought many of his fellow Sooners to live and work in Orlando.
Swezey also did stunt work in films such as Waterboy, and worked with the innovative AntiGravity Entertainment Group. Originally from Colorado, Swezey eventually settled in New York City with his husband and their twins, where he became a top real estate agent with the Corcoran Group.
He remained an active and enthusiastic Sooner supporter, both as a donor to his alma mater, contributing to the Iron Cross Club, and a physical presence at Oklahoma gymnastics events around the world, including attending the most recent NCAA National Championships with his family.
"Ric was one of the kindest, most generous and positive people I've ever had the pleasure to know," coach Mark Williams wrote. "He lifted up all those lucky enough to know him. His tragic loss is unfathomable. The Sooner family has truly lost one of its brightest lights today."
Ric is survived by his husband Nick Scandalios, their children Kate and Luke, his parents and brother, Vance. He is mourned by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Arrangements are pending and in lieu of flowers the Swezey-Scandalios family has requested donations be made in Ric's name to the Family Equality Council (familyequality.org), of which Ric and his husband were tireless supporters.
I have been following this story all week with her. He was an incredible gymnast, apparently known for his release moves at OU. Always sad to lose a gymnastics community member..------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sooner family suffered a tragic loss today with the untimely passing of one of our own, Ric Swezey. A member of the 1991 National Championship team, Swezey also competed nationally with the Sooner cheer squad after completing his gymnastics eligibility.
He went on to put his gymnastics talents to use at Disney World. First, as a performer, in both the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and as one of the original Tumble Monkeys in the Festival of the Lion King show, and later as a recruiter who brought many of his fellow Sooners to live and work in Orlando.
Swezey also did stunt work in films such as Waterboy, and worked with the innovative AntiGravity Entertainment Group. Originally from Colorado, Swezey eventually settled in New York City with his husband and their twins, where he became a top real estate agent with the Corcoran Group.
He remained an active and enthusiastic Sooner supporter, both as a donor to his alma mater, contributing to the Iron Cross Club, and a physical presence at Oklahoma gymnastics events around the world, including attending the most recent NCAA National Championships with his family.
"Ric was one of the kindest, most generous and positive people I've ever had the pleasure to know," coach Mark Williams wrote. "He lifted up all those lucky enough to know him. His tragic loss is unfathomable. The Sooner family has truly lost one of its brightest lights today."
Ric is survived by his husband Nick Scandalios, their children Kate and Luke, his parents and brother, Vance. He is mourned by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Arrangements are pending and in lieu of flowers the Swezey-Scandalios family has requested donations be made in Ric's name to the Family Equality Council (familyequality.org), of which Ric and his husband were tireless supporters.
