The 1961 Swarthmore Garnet Tide football team was an American football team that represented Swarthmore College as a member of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) during the 1961 college football season.
In their 20th season under head coach Lew Elverson, the Garnet Tide compiled a 5–2 record (4–2 in conference games), tied for second place in the MAC Southern College Division, and outscored opponents by a total of 129 to 89.
[1] The team played its home games at Alumni Field in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.
[1] They did not lead the MAC Southern College Division in any category but ranked second in total offense, passing offense, and scoring.
[1] The team's statistical leaders included halfback Harvey Buek with 390 rushing yards and 476 yards of total offense; quarterback Mike Lillie with 361 passing yards; halfback Bernie Beitman with 11 receptions and 34 points scored (five touchdowns and two two-point conversions).