Augustana University Athletics

Whether on the mat or the line of scrimmage, Lee Pulse’s game was all about quickness, aggressiveness, and determination. 
   
The Kimball, S.D., native excelled in football and wrestling at Augustana, achieving All-America status as a somewhat undersized heavyweight on the mat, and becoming a school record holder on the gridiron.
   
“Lee brought a toughness we needed,” said former Viking head football coach Jim Heinitz. “He was a difference maker.”
    
Attacking from his defensive end position, Pulse fought his way to a share of the school record for sacks in a game (3) and for a season (8). During the 1992 season he was named the North Central Conference defensive player of the week after recording a dozen tackles, two quarterback sacks, and a fumble recovery in a 20-7 win over the University of North Dakota. It was among his memorable moments as a Viking.
    
“Defeating highly-ranked UND in Grand Forks and the University of Northern Colorado that same year at home during a year in which the Mike Freidel-led Viking defense was statistically one of the top-rated defenses in Division II. I admired and respected Coach Freidel’s in-your-face, no-nonsense style of coaching, but off the field he was a father figure in many ways,” Pulse said.
    
Augustana did not win a game in 1991, but Pulse played a role in a resurgent 1992 campaign that saw the Vikings go 8-3 and finish third in the NCC.  He was credited with 54 tackles, including a team-leading 10 for loss, and earned honorable mention on the all-conference team. 
  
In 1993, Pulse logged 44 tackles in a 4-7 season and tied the individual game record with three sacks against North Dakota State University. That season he served as a team captain. He was named to the Academic All-NCC football team and was a second team all-conference choice.
    
On the mat he compiled a 70-39 career record. From 1992-1994 he became a three-time All-America with fourth, second, and third place finishes at the national tournament. Following the 1992 season he was named the Vikings’ most valuable wrestler.
    
“Lee was one of the most mentally tough wrestlers I’ve ever known,” said former Augustana head coach Kraig Presler. “He never did complain or ever let on that he was hurting.”
    
Two members of the Augustana community Pulse remembers with special fondness are Dr. Martin Broken Leg and the late Larry Borgum. “Dr. Broken Leg was influential in his messages about perseverance and overcoming obstacles in life and by encouraging students to think outside the box,” Pulse said. “Borgie impacted my days at Augie as he was someone I could turn to for guidance in times when I needed it. I cherish the many valuable discussions I had with him while I was a student, and we know there was not a more loyal Viking fan than Borgie.”
    
Lee is the co-owner of Kimball Clark LLC, Central Dakota Guide Services LLC, Original Kimball Popcornball LLC, and PHO Properties/Parkway Campground. He and his wife, Nicole, live in Kimball, S.D. They are the parents of Jace, Sage, Auburn, and Braxton.