SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Augustana student-athletes have been participating in what they're calling a "Week of Action" and have been involved in various activities throughout the week. The Viking student-athletes have been involved with the It's On Us campaign & the NCAA National Student-Athlete Day of Action, community engagement tracking, and Jasper Elfrink's Strike Out Colitis fundraiser.

Viking student-athletes started the week with National Student-Athlete Day of Action on April 17 to spread awareness about the It's On Us campaign. The It's On Us campaign was launched by President Barack Obama in fall 2014 to end sexual assault on college campuses. The campaign asks everyone – men and women across America ­– to make a personal commitment to step off the sidelines and be part of the solution to campus sexual assault. Viking student-athletes took team photos with It's On Us signs to promote the campaign and combat sexual violence. Over 250 Viking student-athletes also signed a petition for the It's On Us campaign.

"Augustana's week of action has brought together the entire campus community for a wonderful cause," SAAC President and Augustana junior football student-athlete Kirby Hora said of the week of action. "Administrators, coaches, and student-athletes have all physically proclaimed and voiced OUR stand against sexual violence. The friendships grown this week in partnering with other athletic teams have further solidified why Augustana is such a special place, and I am incredibly proud and honored to be a part of this loving and passionate community at Augustana."

Also this week, Viking student-athletes supported fellow student-athlete Jasper Elfrink and his Strike Out Colitis fundraiser. Elfrink, a sophomore baseball student-athlete, shortly after Christmas break started gradually losing weight and strength and was eventually determined he has a chronic disease, ulcerative colitis. Elfrink had surgery and had six feet of his colon removed. Elfrink, a Netherlands native, has been recovering here in Sioux Falls and his parents have come to town to be with him. The goal of the fundraiser was to raise money for Elfrink's medical costs. This week Viking SAAC student-athletes organized a campaign to raise money for Elfrink's Strike Out Colitis fundraiser. SAAC paired teams together and the goal was to donate as a group to raise funds for Elfrink. If you would like to donate to Elfrinks campaign contact Alyson Vander Steen at her email address: avandersteen@augie.edu.

"The week of action has showed me, we have a phenomenal group of student-athletes," SAAC Vice President and Augustana wrestling junior Regan Bye stated. "The entire week has taught me that Vikings truly do rally for their family, and I hope this level of growth continues, not just for Augustana University, but for the community of Sioux Falls and the state of South Dakota."

If you would like to read more on the It's On Us campaign CLICK HERE or donate to Jasper Elfrinks Strike Out Colitis fundraiser CLICK HERE.