SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- With a focus on enhancing the student-athlete experience and sharing the story of Viking student-athletes and programs, Augustana Athletics is pleased to announce Ryan Hilgemann as the new Assistant Athletic Director For Communications. Ryan's first day is officially today, August 14, 2019. 

Hilgemann most recently worked at the University of South Dakota, where he served as the Assistant Sports Information Director for the Coyotes. 

"I am excited and honored to be joining the Augustana University athletic department," Hilgemann said. "I would like to thank Josh Morton and David Primus for this opportunity. There is a passion within the Augustana family and I am thrilled to be joining at such an exciting time."

Adding Hilgemann allows Elliot Nathan to take on a new role with an emphasis on video and digital content.  Nathan is now the Director of Video & Digital Media. Augustana Athletic Director Josh Morton knows these moves will pay immediate dividends for the department. 

"These are exciting times at Augustana and we're thrilled to have Ryan join our team.  We have a great story to tell and our student-athletes are the reason why," Morton said.  "We feel like this helps us get even better at telling that story."

During his time in Vermillion, Hilgemann served as the primary media contact for NCAA Division I men's basketball, women's soccer, and men's/women's golf. In addition to his work at USD, Ryan also served as the interview room coordinator at the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four in Minneapolis.

Prior to his time at the University of South Dakota, Ryan spent three years at Black Hills State where he was the first-ever full-time Sports Information Director. Hilgemann was not only responsible for the media coverage of the Yellow Jackets' 13 NCAA sports, but he also managed BHSUAthletics.com, which set daily, weekly and monthly records in terms of website traffic. 

A native of Aberdeen, South Dakota, Ryan is a 2011 graduate of Northern State University where he majored in sports marketing and administration. During his undergraduate years, he also served as a student coach under legendary basketball coach Don Meyer. Following graduation, he worked as a graduate assistant in the Wolves' sports information office and covered women's soccer, women's basketball, swimming and diving, and softball. 

Hilgemann started his career in 2012 as an athletic communications assistant at Lipscomb (TN) University. He was the primary contact for seven NCAA Division I programs including men's and women's soccer, cross country, track and field, and women's basketball. 

Hilgemann and his wife Amanda plan to reside in the Sioux Falls area.