In football he played at guard and tackle, while being a part of the 1959 and 1960 undefeated teams. As a senior, he received All S.P.A.L. and All Northern California honors.[2]
In 1991, he was inducted into the San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame.
College career
Svihus accepted a football scholarship from the University of Southern California. As a sophomore in 1962, he was a part of an undefeated team that won the Rose Bowl and the National championship.[3]
As a senior in 1964, he became a starter at left tackle and received second-team All-AAWU honors.
Svihus co-wrote a book with Wayne Hawkins (Oakland Raiders offensive guard) and Dave Dalby (Oakland Raiders center) called Raider: How Offensive can you be? A 25-year history of the Oakland Raiders. The book was published by Peninsula Publishing in Monterey, California and was written in 1986-1987.[7]