A native of Oneonta, Slawson was a two-sport standout during the early years of athletics at "State".  Slawson was a four-year starting player for both the basketball and baseball teams between the years of 1953-57.  Slawson served as Captain of the basketball team during his final two years while being the captain of the baseball team as a junior.

During his basketball career, he was the team's leading rebounder for three seasons while being a consistent scorer.  As the center, Slawson usually played against taller opponents, but was skilled in getting into position for rebounds and was a skilled passer, according to Hall of Fame teammate Len Gereau.

On the diamond, Slawson was a versatile player with the ability to play short, third and outfield during his career.  As a freshman, he finished the season hitting .353.  Slawson continued to be one of the team's top hitters throughout his final three seasons.

Slawson graduated from Oneonta in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, followed by a Master of Counseling and Administration in 1960. He began his professional career teaching and coaching at the new Schalmont Central High School in Schenectady, N.Y. Slawson then moved west to Tucson, AZ where his career in the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) included teaching at Utterback Junior High, and counseling and administrator positions at: Palo Verde, Sahuaro and Project MORE (Models and Options for Renewing Education), which was the first alternative education program in the district.

As its first Director, Project MORE was established to be a seven-to-ten-year experimental program in 1972that is still going strong today. After leaving Project MORE, Slawson was Director of Secondary Alternative Education, Instructional Support for Regular Programs - K-12 for TUSD where he retired in 1988.

Slawson, along with eight other individuals will be inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 6 at 11am in the Morris Conference Center.  The event is free and open to the public.