Following a nationwide search, Luke Groth has been officially named the Viking Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations. With nearly a decade of experience in collegiate athletics, Groth is excited to be joining the Augustana Athletic department. 

"My family and I are thrilled to be here and join the Augustana family. I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences in college athletics with student-athletes, coaches, and staff to help prepare them to win championships," Groth said." I look forward to building relationships and working with the entire university and Sioux Falls community." 

Augustana Athletic Director Josh Morton is looking forward to Luke joining the athletic staff.

"Luke's success and experience really stood out to us and we look forward to adding him to our talented administrative staff," Morton said. "We have a bold future ahead and Luke will play a key role as we continue to build champions in the classroom, in competition and the community."

Most recently, Groth spent two years as the Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations at Division 1 FBS University of Buffalo. Groth was not only responsible for coordinating day-to-day football operations but managed an $8 million football budget for the University. Groth was also responsible for managing the Football Excellence Fund, providing gameday support to operations staff, and assisting the recruiting staff with logistics. 

Previous to his time in western New York, Groth spent nearly five years in Vermillion, South Dakota working with the University of South Dakota Football program. During the 2016 season, Groth was the Director of Football Operation and On-Campus Recruiting coordinator, where he coordinated all official and unofficial on-campus recruiting visits while working with compliance, catering, and admissions. 

Groth began his professional career in 2010 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, spending two years as the Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations. While with the Warhawks, Groth won a pair of NCAA Division III National Championships. 

A native of Lawton, Iowa, Groth played college football at USD and graduated in 2006 in Business Administration. Groth continued his education in 2010 as he received his Master of Arts and Sports Management from Minnesota State University. Along with his wife Becky and two-year-old son Kroy, the Groth's plan to reside in Sioux Falls.