Augustana University Football: A History of Tradition and Transformation
Augustana University's football program boasts a rich and evolving history, deeply intertwined with the institution's own journey. From its humble beginnings as Hillsboro Academy in 1835 to its current status as a respected university, Augustana has consistently adapted and grown, a trajectory mirrored by its football team.
Early Days and the Journey West
Long before the familiar landmarks of today's Augustana campus existed, the institution began as Hillsboro Academy in Illinois. Later renamed The Literary and Theological Institute of The Lutheran Church of the Far West in 1846, the school moved to Springfield, Illinois, and was renamed Illinois State University.
As the nation faced political and social upheaval, including escalating immigration and the looming Civil War, leaders of the Norwegian Augustana Synod decided to "follow the people" westward. They initially settled in Beloit, Iowa, reclaiming the name Augustana Seminary and Academy in 1881. In 1884, a group of citizens from Canton, South Dakota, offered the Naylor Hotel to the Augustana Synod, conditional upon the school's relocation to Canton. Though the Seminary remained in Beloit, the school's name was changed to Augustana College. By 1903, the College found a permanent home on the east side of Canton.
Merger and Expansion in Sioux Falls
In 1889, the Lutheran Normal School opened in Sioux Falls, with the mission of preparing teachers. By 1918, a pivotal decision was made to merge Augustana College in Canton with the Lutheran Normal School in Sioux Falls, creating Augustana College and Normal School (ACNS). The Eidsvaag Bell found its place in the school's bell tower, symbolizing the union of these two institutions. In 1926, the name was simplified to Augustana College, and the Canton site eventually became Augustana Academy, which, despite the name, was no longer affiliated with the college and ultimately closed in 1971.
Sesquicentennial and University Status
The 2010-11 academic year marked Augustana College’s sesquicentennial. Campus officials and the school’s nearly 1,800 students planned a number of commemorative events to celebrate the College’s 150th year. On June 5, 2010, Augustana President Rob Oliver and Augustana-Rock Island President Steve Bahls commemorated the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod during a ceremony at Jefferson Prairie Lutheran Church in Poplar Grove, Illinois. Oliver and Bahls gathered at a table used by the original founders during the creation of the Augustana Synod’s first constitution to sign a Sesquicentennial Compact - a document that affirmed each school’s academic mission and desire to remain committed to the mission of Lutheran higher education.
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On September 1, 2015, the institution marked a significant milestone by officially becoming Augustana University, a change that reflected the broadening of its academic mission.
Augustana Vikings Football
The Augustana Vikings football team represents Augustana College in college football at the NCAA Division III level. The Vikings are members of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), fielding its team in the CCIW since 1946 when it was known as the College Conference of Illinois. The Vikings play their home games at Charles D.
Coaching and Leadership
Steve Bell is the head coach of the Augustana Vikings football team. As of August 14, 2023, he was in his 11th season with a record of 48-56 (.462).
Looking Ahead: Viking Bold
Augustana’s storied past is just as exciting as its future. Over the next decade, the university will continue to implement its strategic plan - Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 - passed by the university's Board of Trustees in December 2019.
Notable Events and Records
All "firsts" identified are associated with Augustana College and not the Lutheran Normal School (LNS). For instance, the first band at LNS was in 1896.
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Individual Achievements
The list provides specific achievements of players in various games, showcasing individual contributions to the team's performance:
- Balliette, C.: Tackles for loss: 1.0, St. Fumbles recovered: 1 [t-8th], St. Points scored: 12, Concordia-St. Touchdowns: 2, Concordia-St. Rush TDs: 2, Concordia-St. Receptions: 3, Concordia-St. Interceptions: 2 [t-4th], Concordia-St. Long interception return: 19, Concordia-St. Rush attempts: 5, St. Total offense attempts: 5, St. Kick returns: 5 [t-9th], Concordia-St. Kick return yards: 107, Concordia-St. Long kick return: 33, Concordia-St. Longest punt: 61, Concordia-St. Tackles: 2, at Winona State, Nov 09, 2019 (1-1); St. Tackles for loss: 2.0, St. Sacks: 1.0, Concordia-St. Tackles: 2, St. Sacks: 1.0, St. Tackles for loss: 2.0, St.
- Liggett, T.J.: Tackles for loss: 2.5, Concordia-St. Fumbles recovered: 1 [t-8th], at Bemidji State, Oct 02, 2019 ; St. Long rush: 38, St. Receptions: 8, Concordia-St. Receiving yards: 103, Concordia-St. All-purpose yards: 103, Concordia-St. Tackles for loss: 1.0, Southwest Minnesota, Nov 16, 2019 (1-0); St. Pass breakups: 1, Concordia-St. Receptions: 1, St. Receiving yards: 7, St. Long reception: 7, St. All-purpose yards: 7, St. Tackles: 1, St.
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