Augustana Vikings football

Augustana Vikings football
Name	Augustana Vikings football
Founded	1891
University	Augustana University
Conference	Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
Division	South Division
Location	Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Stadium	Kirkeby-Over Stadium
Capacity	6,500
Coach	Jerry Olszewski
Conference titles	15
National titles	4 (NCAA Division II: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986)
Rivalries	University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota State University
Mascot	Vikings
Colors	Navy Blue, Gold, and White

Augustana Vikings football. The program represents Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and competes at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. With a history dating to the late 19th century, the Vikings have established a storied tradition highlighted by a dominant run of national championships in the 1980s. The team plays its home games at the on-campus Kirkeby-Over Stadium and maintains intense regional rivalries.

History

The Augustana football program traces its origins to 1891, with early competition against local athletic clubs and regional colleges. The team initially competed as an independent before joining the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference and later the North Central Conference. A pivotal era began with the hiring of head coach Bob Reade in 1979, whose innovative Wing-T offense propelled the Vikings to unprecedented success. The program transitioned to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in 2008, marking a new chapter in its competitive history. Throughout its evolution, the program has been a cornerstone of the university's athletic identity and a significant contributor to the landscape of college football in the United States.

Notable seasons

The most celebrated period in program history was the mid-1980s, when the Vikings captured four consecutive NCAA Division II national championships from 1983 to 1986 under coach Bob Reade. The 1985 team is often cited as particularly dominant, finishing with a perfect 13-0 record. In 2010, the team, led by coach Mike Aldrich, advanced to the national semifinals. More recently, the 2021 squad secured a share of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference South Division title. These seasons are commemorated with displays in the Elmen Center and are a frequent subject of historical features by the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

Players and awards

Numerous Vikings have earned national recognition, including Harlon Hill Trophy finalists such as quarterback Tommy Flyger and running back D.J. Penick. The program has produced multiple AFCA All-America selections and CoSIDA Academic All-America honorees, reflecting success on the field and in the classroom. Several alumni have pursued professional careers, including in the Canadian Football League and as coaches at the collegiate level. The university's athletic hall of fame, the Augustana University Viking Hall of Fame, enshrines many of these standout athletes and their contributions to the program's legacy.

Coaches

Bob Reade is the most iconic figure in program history, serving as head coach from 1979 to 1996 and amassing a record of 168-41-4, along with the four national titles. His tenure established a culture of excellence that defined the era. Other notable head coaches include Jim Heinitz, who led the team prior to Reade, and Mike Aldrich, who guided the 2010 playoff run. The current head coach, Jerry Olszewski, a former University of Wisconsin–Stout player, has led the program since 2013, emphasizing a strong defensive identity and continuing the competitive tradition within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

Facilities

The Vikings' primary home is Kirkeby-Over Stadium, an on-campus facility with a capacity of 6,500 that underwent significant renovations in 2016. The stadium features a state-of-the-art artificial turf playing surface and is part of a larger athletic complex. The team utilizes the adjacent Elmen Center for training, locker rooms, and weight facilities. This complex also houses the offices of the coaching staff and the Augustana University Athletic Department. The facilities support the program's operations and host major events like the Dakota Marker game against South Dakota State University.

Rivalries

The program's most prominent contemporary rivalry is with the University of Sioux Falls, known as the "Key City Clash," with the two Sioux Falls institutions battling for local supremacy within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. A historic, though now intermittent, rivalry exists with South Dakota State University, stemming from decades of competition in the North Central Conference. Games against other regional foes like the University of Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota State University, Mankato also carry significant conference implications and intensity, fueled by the competitive balance of the NSIC.

Category:NCAA Division II football teams Category:Sports in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Category:Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Category:Augustana University