SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- With the 2019-20 academic and athletic calendar right around the corner, the Augustana University head coaches took a day for some team-building activities. On Monday, nine Viking head coaches and athletic trainer Brian Gerry took over the Midco Sports Network studios, directing, producing, and anchoring a 15-minute sports show, Augustana All Access.

For Augustana athletic director Josh Morton, the group activity focused on three core areas: professional development, team building, and having fun.

 "I'm really thankful to MidcoSN for taking the time to help with this unique team-building opportunity," Morton said. "It's always fun to learn more about other professions and our coaches and staff embraced the challenge of putting on a tv show. We can't wait to reciprocate with the MidcoSN staff and put them in our coaches shoes."

The coaches split into groups learning every role of live tv, including: how to write a script, how to use a microphone, and how to run an audio and production board. After two hours of training, they produced three five-minute segments 'live' on-air.

Midco General Manager Craig DeWit echoed Morton's statement, adding that there is value in building relationship within the Sioux Falls community. 

"At MidcoSN, we're all about our relationships; within our own staff, with the NCAA conferences we team up with and especially with our partner schools," DeWitt said. "Being able to spend a few hours with the Augustana staff was not only a ton of fun, but great relationship building for all involved. Watching the coaches and staff struggle with broadcast technology, scriptwriting and pronunciations while "live on the air" provided a lot of laughing and a great way to start the week. Now, we're excited to step onto the sidelines and takeover Coach OJ's headset during the next Key To the City football game."

During the 2019-20 athletic year, MidcoSN will broadcast 15 Viking games on live TV, including three football games and six men's and women's basketball games.