Augustana University Athletics

Hounding opponents from his defensive end position, he helped the Vikings make the NCAA Division II playoffs in 1988 and 1989.

A highly recruited, multi-sport athlete from St. Paul Central High School in Minnesota, Danté chose to join Coach Jim Heinitz and the Augustana football program. He soon became a force on the defensive side of the football. During his All-NCC junior season he had 64 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack.

His senior year was one for the record books. He played a crucial role as the Vikings defeated St. Cloud State University, 23-20. He scooped up a fumble and ran 27 yards for a touchdown, and paced the defense with 14 tackles, including a sack and a stop that resulted in loss of yardage for the Huskies. Danté recalls this as his most memorable game. He wrote, "I remember...I scored my first and only touchdown of my college career. I also remember what the St. Cloud State quarterback said to me after I sacked him. He asked me if I was a senior. After I replied, "Yes", he said, "Good. I don't have to worry about you coming back next year and hitting me again." For his efforts, Danté was honored as the NCC Player of the Week and National Defensive Player of the Week.

Two weeks later, Augustana downed the University of Nebraska-Omaha, 21-7, and Danté was in the thick of the action again. He registered three sacks to claim a share of the school record. He also had seven other tackles. Again, he was named the NCC Player of the Week.

Danté entered his senior year as a preseason NCAA Division II All-American by the Professional Athletic Personnel Associates and College Football Preview. At the conclusion of the campaign he was selected to the All-NCC team for the second consecutive year. He recorded 64 tackles and six sacks.

Although the games stand out in his mind, the most meaningful and memorable event of Dante's football career had nothing to do with his play of the field. He wrote, "The memorable event for me was having my father come to most all of my home games and watching me play."