SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana Athletics has partnered with Bowlsby Sports Advisors in its national search for the inaugural head coach for the Augustana men's hockey program.
 
"The excitement in our community continues to grow for Augustana hockey, and the first head coach is such an important position," Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said. "This leader will play a key role in setting the foundation for the program and helping Augustana continue to reach the strategic goals within the Viking Bold plan."
 
"We look forward to bringing in an exceptional leader to start our men's hockey program," said Josh Morton, Augustana Director of Athletics. "By hiring a head coach before this summer, we are giving the individual a chance to recruit and build a program before we start competing more than a year later."
 
Formally announced in October, the Viking hockey program will take to the ice for its first season in October 2023 and play its games on the ice of soon-to-be-built Midco Arena on the corner for 33^rd St. and Grange Ave. on the campus of Augustana.
 
The announcement of men's hockey was another step forward in accomplishing goals set forth in Augustana's strategic plan Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030. The plan includes an effort to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level, elevate the university's profile and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically embrace Augustana University as its hometown team by serving the community and integrating its mission with the community's needs. 
 
In addition to the partnership with Bowlsby Sports Advisors, a search committee began meeting last fall with an expected hire of the head coach by June 1, 2022.
  
Applications and inquiries for the head coach position are to be directed to Kyle Bowlsby at Kyle@bowlsbysportsadvisors.com.  
 
Submissions are also being accepted for the Augustana Hockey Season Ticket Interest List. Fans interested in season tickets are encouraged to submit their contact information and desired number of tickets in the form provided at goaugie.com/HockeyTickets.
 
About Augustana University
Founded in 1860, Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a selective, comprehensive university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). With more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs for undergraduates — along with graduate degrees and continuing education programs — Augustana is committed to enriching lives and fostering development by combining a foundation in the liberal arts with professional skill and advanced study.
 
Nationally recognized for academic excellence, student life, graduate outcomes and affordability, Augustana serves more than 2,000 students from 34 states and 48 countries. Most are part of our residential community and call our 100-acre campus home. Our graduate and continuing education programs serve students during times that are convenient for adult learners.
 
For more information about Augustana University, visit augie.edu.
 
About Augustana Athletics
Located in the heart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Augustana University athletics is home to five team NCAA Division II National Championships while competing primarily in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Having won four national championships since 2010, the Vikings have shown broad-based athletics excellence by finishing in the top-20 of the Division II Learfield Director's Cup standings in eight of the last nine years. In the classroom, Augustana has consistently led the NSIC in All-Academic honorees and tallied 44 Academic All-America honors over the past 10 years. 
 
Augustana Athletics Philosophy Statement
In support of Augustana University's mission, Augustana Athletics aims to provide a student-athlete centered experience committed to distinction in the classroom, excellence in competition, and faithful service to community.