Augustana University Athletics

In 1986, Arwin Schmeichel was chosen North Central Conference player of the week, the first Viking so honored in three seasons. The Vikings' middle linebacker logged 15 tackles in a 17-9 win at Morningside. He also intercepted a pass, forced a fumble, broke up a pass, and had one tackle resulting in lost yardage. The Vikings had six pass interceptions that day, matching the school record set in 1959 and tied in 1970.

Augustana opened the 1986 season against Sioux Falls College and posted a 20-0 win. It was the first shutout for Augie since 1979. The Vikings yielded 56 yards and held SFC to a minus two yards on the ground. The next week Augustana defeated Wayne State, 7-3. It was the Vikings' first win on the road since 1983.

Schmeichel was a three-year starter at linebacker and was the team's second leading tackler (70) in his first campaign. In 1986 he led the team in tackles (97) and played a leading role in a 22-21 defeat of Northern Colorado, the Vikings' first win against the Bears. He was the leading tackler in 1987 (123). He was selected to the All-NCC Teams in 1986 and 1987.