SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana men's basketball head coach Tom Billeter has announced the promotion of Casey Schlatter to full-time assistant coach after the resignation of Chad Hettermann, who had been with Augustana for 14 years as a player and a coach.
 
Schlatter joined the Augustana staff prior to the 2019-20 season after a playing career at Drake and Grand View.
 
"I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to represent Augustana University and the men's basketball program in a larger capacity," Schlatter said. "It has been an amazing opportunity to work with Coach Billeter, Coach Authier and Coach Hettermann this past year. 
 
"There are a lot of great days ahead in our program and university, and to be a part of it will be special."
 
Schlatter suited up for 95 contests at Drake, helping the Bulldogs advance to the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament in 2018. As a graduate transfer, he started all 30 games at Grand View, averaging 13.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. He earned Second Team All-Conference accolades.
 
"We are fortunate to have a young and upcoming superstar in Casey Schlatter," Billeter said. "Casey had a tremendous first year for us last season and we know he will do a great job as he moves up into a full-time position.
 
"The future for both Casey and Augustana basketball looks both solid and exciting."
 
He earned his undergraduate degree in business administration and marketing from Drake in 2018 and garnered his master's degree in organizational leadership from Grand View in 2019.
 
Hettermann concludes a storied career at Augustana as he has accepted the position of Director of Children's Ministry at The Ransom Church, based in Sioux Falls.
 
"Although I am extremely happy for Chad and his family with his new position at The Ransom Church, selfishly, Augustana basketball will surely miss all he has done," Billeter said. "For the last 14 seasons, Chad has been part of our basketball family and everything he contributed cannot be mentioned without writing a book.
 
"He will be missed and we wish he, Kim and Kempton all the best. Simply put, thank you for always giving 100 percent."
 
Hettermann's career at Augustana began in the 2006-07 season as a redshirt before appearing in 116 games. With Hettermann on the roster, the Vikings tallied 101 victories and a pair of Sweet 16 appearances.
 
He then joined Billeter's coaching staff as a graduate assistant in 2011-12 and was elevated into a full-time assistant coach role prior to the 2013-14 season.
 
As a member of the coaching staff, the Vikings put together the two most prolific seasons in Augustana history. First, it was a 31-3 record in 2014-15 and the NSIC Championship. Then it was the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2015-16 as the Vikings put together a 34-2 record and set an NSIC record with 21 conference victories.
 
Augustana advanced to five NCAA Tournaments with Hettermann on staff. As a player, the Vikings played in three NCAA Tournaments, giving him a part in the last eight tournaments.
 
"The past 14 years have been indescribable," Hettermann said. "Augustana is a very special place, full of tremendous people. The basketball staff, and Coach Billeter in particular, will always hold a special place in my heart.
 
"I look forward to continuing to support the basketball program for many years to come."