Augustana University Athletics

The late Clarence A. Hammer, a valued member of Augustana football, basketball, track and baseball teams from 1921-25, died on May 20, 1986 at the age of 82 He had retired to his home in Martin, S.D., after a 43-year career in the field of education in South Dakota.

He saw action in the formative years of Augustana athletics following the college's move to Sioux Falls. Clarence played end, quarterback and halfback on the first collegiate football team organized at the school and saw the football fortunes move from a record of 2-2-1 in 1921 to 3-4 in 1922, 4-3-1 in 1923 and 6-1 in 1924 when the Vikings finished second only to powerful Columbus College to whom they lost by only 13-0.

Hammer played quarterback for his final three years and was the team's extra point scorer (including several by drop kicking and another by a pass from the late Leif Fjellestad). 

Hammer was a guard on the basketball teams, a second baseman with the baseball squad (including service as captain in 1923), and as a hurdler, relay runner and long jumper on the track and field teams. Student publications make reference to Clarence as a dangerous hitter-especially in clutch situations.

Following his graduation he taught and coached in his hometown of Platte, S.D., for 16 years before becoming superintendent at Kimball, Gregory, Bryant and Martin. He retired in 1968 and continued to be actively involved in community and church activities.