Athletes reflect on what it means to be a Viking

As Augustana prepares to celebrate 100 years of homecoming, the university simultaneously recognizes the long history of Vikings athletics.

The football game on Sept. 23 against Minnesota State University Moorhead marks the Vikings’ 100th homecoming celebration. The COVID-19 pandemic and World War II, however; called for a cancellation of three games since 1924.

The milestone week has some students reflecting on their time as an Augustana athlete and what it means to be a Viking.

When graduate student Blake Larson, remembers his introduction to college football, he thinks of grueling 5:30 a.m. summer workouts.

However, when he reflects on his time as a Viking, Larson feels happy about the experiences he gained and the relationships he formed with his friends, teammates and coaches.

“I’d say it has been awesome. It has opened me up to a lot of different experiences that I don’t think I would have got if I wouldn’t have been a student athlete,” Larson said. “I’m super thankful to have had the opportunity to be a student athlete.”

The best part of many Vikings’ student athlete experiences were the people alongside them in practice and games; their teammates.

“I’ve enjoyed my time on [the Spirit Squad],” Austin Fowler, a senior dancer, said. “I think I have [met] a lot of people that I wouldn’t have otherwise met because we’re all different majors and levels and grades.”

Fowler has danced since she was 4 years old. Dancing at Augustana is different from her studio dance past, as it requires game day cheering and a few exhibitions.

“I was excited for the game day part. And then, I also just liked Augie, knowing some people and having a group that I could go to whenever I needed something,” Fowler said.

The camaraderie and friendships that come with being part of a team also impact sports that are typically viewed as individual, such as tennis.

“In college tennis, [it’s] really cool to see how team spirit and teamwork helps your individual results,” Christian Cortinas, a junior tennis player, said. “You play by yourself, but you also get the support from your teammates to be able to, I think, raise your level of play.”

Tracy Hellman, director of track and field and cross country, values the relationships he has built with fellow coaches.

“I just absolutely love the other coaches at Augustana,” Hellman said. “We’re kind of just connected in so many different ways. We’re like a family almost.”

Hellman didn’t always know he wanted to be a coach.

He was initially interested in English and political science. He later gravitated toward exercise science, thought about a career in corporate wellness and considered high school coaching and teaching.

However, none of those career options truly interested Hellman. He realized he enjoyed working with collegiate athletes.

Now Hellman has coached the men’s and women’s track and field and cross country teams for 23 years, making him Augustana’s longest-standing coach out of the current coaching staff.

One thing has kept Hellman at Augustana over the years: the athletes.

“I really enjoy working at Augustana because I work with kids that are going to be lawyers and doctors and teachers and there’s so many options,” Hellman said. “I really enjoy the kids at Augie because they want to be great in all areas of their life, not just athletics.”

From a coach’s perspective, Hellman said the significance of being a Viking athlete comes down to pride.

“They have friends outside the team, but yet their core group is the people on the team. I think that wearing the gold jersey and just being excited about the team’s success is really pretty special,” Hellman said.

When Cortinas thinks of a Viking, he pictures the tough norseman sailors.

“At Augustana, we kind of embody that [image] as well. We know we’re not an easy school academically or sports wise,” Cortinas said. “But it also gives us as students and student athletes the opportunity to rise to the challenge.”

To Larson, being a Viking means fostering a determination to be better.

“Just determined to improve every day. Go out there and compete, not be afraid of any challenge,” Larson said.

Fowler said being a Viking dancer requires a desire to support Augustana and its athletics teams.

“It’s just about supporting our teams and supporting our school and making sure that everyone else is able to do that too by cheering and making sure we’re hype and positive and excited,” Fowler said.

As Augie celebrates 100 years of homecoming, athletes remember how years of past teammates have impacted them and their teams. As some Vikings near graduation, they hope to leave their own impact.

“You should not take anything for granted,” Fowler said. “You only get four years here, so you should take in every moment of it and be positive about all the things that you can.”

Cortinas said he wants his teammates and Augustana students to know that they do not have to go through college alone.

“Prioritize your faith life, as God is always with you and in your corner,” Cortinas said. “Don’t lose sight of your values.”

Hellman said he hopes his athletes enjoy their time and remember their experiences forever.