A celebration of 100 years of Augustana Football: The 1960s

Every Thursday throughout the season, GoAugie.com will take a dive into a new decade of Augustana football in honor of the 100th season. The 100th season of Augustana football is presented by CorTrust Bank.

The 1960s proved to be some lean years in terms of team success with Augustana. The Vikings finished with a 6-2 record in 1960, 5-3-1 in 1961 and 6-3 in 1962. That success was much in part to Augustana’s first-ever NFL athlete, Les Josephson.

Josephson, a 1964 graduate and 1980 Augustana Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, averaged 5.2 yards per carry and rushed for 1,422 yards in three years. He gained the bulk of those yards his junior and senior seasons while he was named Williamson Midbracket All-America. After signing with the Dallas Cowboys in 1964, he was traded that same offseason to the Los Angeles Rams where he became an All-Pro performer. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1967 after rushing for 800 yards and receiving 400 more. 

Josephson had this written about him in the 1964 Edda, “Les Josephson, outstanding Augustana athlete, received national recognition when selected to the Second Team All-American. On the gridiron Les lead the team in rushing the past two years as fullback and halfback and excelled on defense as a monster (roving linebacker). He also excels in track as high jumper, holding the NCC record. 

The Vikings then saw their record slip for several seasons but despite that, saw program records set.  

The 1967 squad was the most prolific record setter in the school’s history. According to the 1968 Edda, the Vikings’ Gary Sandbo set career records in touchdown passes, total offense, most plays, most pass completions and passing yardage. 

Sandbo was named the NCC’s Most Valuable Player following the season, joining John Simko, an offensive lineman, who earned the honor in 1960. 

Throughout the 100th season, alumni, friends, and family of Augustana Football are asked to make a gift to the Augustana Football Excellence Fund. These dollars will help fund a championship-level program and student-athlete experience. Our goal is to raise $100,000 during the 100th season. To donate, click here or head to augielink.com/100in100.