Augustana University Athletics

At the conclusion of the 1975 football season, Coach Ralph Starenko lauded the Vikings' offensive line as the best group he had ever assembled. A key member of that unit was guard Warren Kersten,who was chosen to the All-North Central Conference team.

The 1975 team posted a 7-3 record, the best finish for the Vikings since 1942. During the season the Vikings defeated the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, and North Dakota State University.

Kersten played a pivotal role in protecting quarterback Dee Jay Donlin, who was the top passer in the NCC with 1,194 yards. In addition, Kersten helped see to it that Frank Penza and Tom Rogers had room to run as the duo racked up 1,766 yards rushing.

"The recognition by Coach Starenko as ‘his best ever' always made me proud of the offensive linemen that I played with," says Kersten."Offensive linemen do not set records as there are no statistics that are kept, but as a unit we helped others to do so.

"The ‘Hogs,' as Coach Don Morton used to call us before the nickname was made famous by the Washington Redskins in the 1980s, had the pleasure of blocking for Augustana Hall of Fame members Terry Nutter, Tom Rogers, and Dee Jay Donlin, as well as many other skill position players."