Family Ties: How Brotherhood and Legacy Shape Augustana Football

When a player enters the Augustana Football program, they quickly learn that the story within is more about just X’s and O’s. The relationship building and comfort level is clear, but what sticks out most is that football isn’t just a sport within the walls of the Hall Football Complex or on Jim Heinitz Field at Kirkeby-Over Stadium; it’s a family affair. In this tight-knit culture, family is an active part of the team’s makeup and culture. From brothers lining up side-by-side to sons following in their fathers’ footsteps, Augustana football is built on a foundation of family.

This season, that tradition continues with four sets of brothers wearing the navy and gold. A season ago, that number was five. Along with those sets, three Vikings have older brothers who previously played at Augustana and two are sons of assistant coaches.

The Heart of Augustana: A Family-First Program

Head Coach Jerry Olszewski stands at the center of the foundation. He enters his 13th season and has spent his previous seasons shaping the program into something far greater than a team: a family.

“Football has always been like a family for me,” Olszewski said. “Since my first days as a coach, I realized that my players didn't care how much I knew until they knew how much I cared.”

That realization has become a cornerstone of Olszewski’s philosophy since the day he became a head coach. From the beginning, he committed to building a program where players felt valued as people first and athletes second.

“One of my first goals was to make it a priority for every player to know that I cared about them more than just as a football player,” he said. “Sometimes that means spending more time with them and going out of your way to meet their needs in real time.”

Olszewski and his staff have built a culture rooted in three core values: faith, family and football — always in that order.

“We reinforce that family dynamic every day,” he explained. “We live by the Golden Rule—treat others how you want to be treated. Respect is earned, not given. And we embrace the differences we all bring to the table.”

It’s a culture that’s evident not only in how the team functions on the field, but in the tight-knit relationships that extend well beyond graduation. Olszewski points to alumni weddings, annual golf tournaments and reunions as proof that the brotherhood within Augustana football is lifelong.

“To see those relationships still intact ten plus years after they graduate screams FAMILY,” he said. “It is one of the things I am most proud of about our program.”

That bond is put on display by the number of siblings who have chosen to follow each other into the program. Since Olszewski’s arrival, eight sets of brothers have played for the Vikings—a powerful testament to the experience the program provides.

Having siblings on the team doesn’t just bring an emotional connection — it also adds something special to the team’s chemistry. Whether it’s memories of backyard games or years of playing together in high school, that shared history carries over into college and helps build a stronger foundation for the program.

“I believe that comfort exists any time there is history between players, and that’s even stronger when they’re family,” he said. “When brothers are on different sides of the ball or different class years, it brings those groups together and creates a bridge that connects the entire team.”

But Augustana football’s impact doesn’t stop in between the hashes.

For Olszewski, building a football program goes far beyond the field. He’s focused on developing well-rounded individuals—students, leaders and men of character. That holistic approach, which emphasizes academics, spiritual growth, leadership and giving back, is a natural extension of the team’s family-first culture.

“We pour into our guys as whole people,” Olszewski said. “We want them to be great not just in football, but in life—academically, spiritually, socially and as leaders.”

That philosophy means holding players to high standards while also showing grace. For Olszewski, success isn’t about perfection—it’s about striving to be your best, with honesty, support and accountability along the way.

“When expectations are clear and everyone knows that comes from a place of love, it’s easy to pour into those you care about,” he said. “I’m proud of the men we attract, build and send out into the world to make those around them better.”

Shared Dreams Becoming Reality

One of the most visible aspects of Augustana’s family-oriented culture is the presence of four sets of brothers currently on the team. These sibling pairs not only share a bond of blood but also a shared commitment to Augustana Football, making the program’s culture feel even more cohesive.

The Detert’s

For Harrisburg graduates Jack and Eli Detert, football has always been bigger than a game. It has been a family tradition, and now, a lived reality on the gridiron at Augustana University. Jack, a sophomore defensive end, and Eli, a freshman at the same position, grew up with the idea of playing together. Though it never materialized in high school, Augustana offered a second chance to turn that dream into something tangible.

“We always talked about it growing up,” Eli says. “It didn’t work out in high school, but now we’re getting to live it out here. It’s awesome.”

For the Detert family, Augustana is a legacy. Their parents and older brothers both attended and loved the university, and now, with both Jack and Eli in navy and gold—and their cousin Isaiah Huber also on the roster—the Deterts have made their mark on the Viking tradition.

“Family tradition,” Jack says simply. “This place just means something to us.”

But what makes Augustana unique isn’t just the football—it’s the culture. Under coach Olszewski, the Vikings have created an environment that prioritizes relationships as much as results. That “family-first” mindset has only deepened the bond between the Detert brothers.

Jack adds, “It’s just how it’s always been. Having him here just makes that feeling of family stronger.”

On the field and in the weight room, the Deterts push each other with a level of trust that only brothers share. They motivate one another to grow—not just as athletes, but as people and men of faith.

“We challenge each other to become the best versions of ourselves,” Jack says. “In football, in faith, in everything.”

Their goals at Augustana go beyond stats and standings. For Eli, making lifelong friendships and becoming the best he can be is the goal. For Jack, it’s about building memories and a bond with his brother that will last a lifetime.

“This,” Jack says, “is exactly what we dreamed of.”

The Carlson’s

In the heart of Sioux Falls, where football and family often intersect, the story of Lincoln and Max Carlson adds a deeper meaning to Augustana University’s “football family” culture. The brothers, now teammates and fellow wide receivers for the Vikings, aren’t just two athletes sharing a locker room—they’re embodying the very essence of what the program calls a brotherhood.

Lincoln, now a junior, was the first to commit to Augustana, planting the initial seed for something neither he nor Max had really envisioned growing up. “We never talked about playing at a specific school together,” Lincoln said. “But once I committed, the conversations started to happen.” Max, a redshirt freshman, echoed that sentiment: “I always thought I’d go far away, but I stayed. It wasn’t part of the plan, but I’m glad it worked out this way.”

That unplanned reunion has turned into something special. On a team that constantly preaches trust, unity and accountability, having a literal brother beside you adds a powerful dynamic. “It brings the team even closer,” Max said. “We always call it a brotherhood, and that means something more being with a sibling.”

For Lincoln, it’s not just about blood ties, but shared purpose. 

That trust fuels how they train, communicate and grow together—both as players and as men. Augustana’s “family-first” culture has been a melting pot for their relationship, forging a connection grounded in honesty and accountability. “We push each other harder than anyone else does,” Lincoln explained. “As Catholic men, we hold ourselves to more than just the team standard—we hold each other to God’s standard.”

Even in the most routine moments—lining up next to each other in practice, walking into the weight room together—the Carlson brothers find meaning. For Max, it’s something he never thought would come. “We never got the chance to play together growing up, so it’s pretty cool to do it now, especially at a school like Augustana.” And for Lincoln, it’s a dream realized. “That trust goes beyond football. It’s why we work so well together on and off the field.”

In a program defined by unity, the Carlsons don’t just fit the mold—they help shape it.
 

The Francis’

When senior wide receiver Liam Francis steps onto the field this fall, he’ll be doing so alongside his younger brother, Luke — a sophomore running back beginning his first season at Augustana after transferring in. But this isn’t the first time Liam has shared the field with family. For the past few seasons, Liam lined up alongside their oldest brother, Matt Francis, a tight end who graduated last year after a standout career with the Vikings. Now, the Francis legacy continues with a new chapter — and a fresh set of cleats to carry it forward.

“It’s safe to say there’s a lot of excitement going into our first season together,” Liam said of playing with Luke. “With this being my first season playing without Matt, I find myself in a similar role — being there for Luke like Matt was for me. Growing up and playing football back home was awesome, but playing together at a program like Augie is something truly amazing.”

For Luke, who made the move to Augustana from a school in West Virginia, having Liam on the roster — and Matt’s legacy behind him — made the transition an easy one.

“The excitement is definitely high,” Luke said. “Going to college by yourself can be tough, especially being far from home. My parents couldn’t make every game when both Liam and Matt were here at Augie and I was across the country. Growing up and playing in our hometown was great, but getting to play for an elite Division II program together is on another level.”

The three brothers share more than just talent — they share a foundation built through years of backyard games, shared jerseys and competitive spirit. Matt, being the oldest, blazed the trail first, influencing both Liam and Luke to follow suit.

Now, as Liam reflects on his time in the program, one of the biggest takeaways is the rare chance he’s had to play college football with not one, but both of his brothers.

“Very few people can say they were able to play college football with both their older and younger brothers,” he said. “It’s something I take a lot of pride in and will treasure most about my time at Augustana.”

Luke admits his brothers were a big part of his decision to transfer. “I’ve been coming to games since Matt first got here,” he said. “So I’ve seen firsthand the kind of men both he and Liam have become. That was a big deal for me because it showed me the culture here isn’t just about football — it’s about brotherhood.”

And that brotherhood is what defines Augustana’s culture for the Francis family. For them, football is more than a game — it’s a shared dream, and now, a moment in time they’ll never forget.

“This season is going to be special,” Liam said. “It’s my last, and it’s Luke’s first. We’ve both worked hard to get here, and I couldn’t be more proud to share it with him.”

The Leonard’s

For brothers Logan and Luke Leonard, playing football together was always part of the dream—but it wasn’t something they expected to carry into college. Now teammates at Augustana, the Leonard brothers are living out a rare and meaningful chapter of their lives together, shoulder-to-shoulder on the field.

“We had always talked about playing at each level together as we grew up,” said Logan, a senior. “Being able to share the field since our early days in high school has been such a blessing to us and our family.”

Luke, the younger of the two, admitted he didn’t always expect it to happen. “It was definitely talked about some, but I honestly never thought that we would have the opportunity to play together at the college level.”

Their path to Augustana was shaped by both individual motivation and a shared connection to the program. Logan was drawn in by the welcoming culture and high standards, both athletically and academically. Luke, introduced to the team through high school camps, found further encouragement through his older brother’s positive experience.

Now teammates, their bond has only grown within Augustana’s family-first culture.

“It’s amazing,” Logan said. “Being able to share all of the good and bad with my brother is such a blessing.” Luke also touched on that point: “It’s made this experience super enjoyable. It’s allowed me to get closer with him and with a lot of the upperclassmen he’s close to.”

As players in the same position group, their competitiveness helps sharpen each other’s game. “I’ve definitely taken extra time to teach him some of the detailed things I’ve learned,” Logan said. Luke added, “We both expect each other’s best effort all the time.”

Whether it’s a rep in practice or a walk across campus, the Leonards know they’re making lifelong memories. “It’s truly a dream come true,” Logan said. “I just want to enjoy every moment with the team and with my brother.”

Carving Their Own Path

For several current Vikings, the path to Kirkeby-Over Stadium was paved by family. Whether learning the playbook from an older brother or finding comfort in a familiar culture, players like Dawson Bauer, Kael Ryan and Sam Scholten are building their own legacies on foundations laid by their siblings.

Dawson Bauer, a freshman wide receiver, is the younger brother of former Augustana standout Canyon Bauer, and his decision to join the Vikings was influenced heavily by both what he saw and what he felt.

“Watching Canyon be a part of the team, I not only got to hear about the great things Augustana had to offer, I got to witness them first-hand,” Dawson said. "I was also able to go to him throughout the process for advice. He encouraged me to make a decision based on where I felt was the best fit for me.”

Canyon’s impact extended beyond conversations — it was about presence. “He reminded me how special it is to play in front of family. That was a huge part of my decision — being close to home,” Dawson said.

Beyond the family ties, Dawson was also drawn to Augustana’s academic structure. “Similar to my high school, class sizes are relatively small, making it a great opportunity to excel in school and connect with each professor,” he said. “This intrigued me and was a main reason I chose Augustana.”

Kael Ryan, a sophomore defensive back and younger brother of former DB Isaiah Ryan, echoed similar sentiments. Growing up around the program thanks to his brother gave Kael early insight into the culture, coaching and community.

“Because Isaiah had already been there for nearly four years, I had gotten to know some of my future teammates, and it was clear I’d get along great with the guys,” Kael said. “The coaching staff also made me feel like a top priority.”

Kael, like Dawson, appreciated how his brother guided rather than pushed. “Isaiah never pressured me. He wanted me to come here, but he gave me room to make my own decision,” he said. “He just provided all the info I needed and let me figure it out.”

Now a contributor in the secondary, Kael is also proud of the off-the-field support system.

Senior wide receiver Sam Scholten shares a similar story — one that spans both sides of the ball and the bond of family. Having former quarterback Thomas Scholten as a mentor helped shape Sam’s early years in the program, giving him a firsthand glimpse into the expectations and demands of college football.

“It made a big difference having someone who had already been through it,” Sam said. “Whether it was expectations, camp or just the daily grind — Thomas helped me understand what the program was really about from a player’s perspective.”

That family connection runs even deeper.

For the aforementioned Sam Scholten and senior linebacker Isaak Sipple, playing football at Augustana is more than just a collegiate experience—it’s a deeply personal journey shaped by family, legacy and the unique dynamic of having their fathers as coaches on the same team.

The previously mentioned wide receiver is writing his own chapter in the Augustana legacy—one that has been generations in the making. Sam is the son of assistant head coach and defensive line coach Kelly Scholten, a name synonymous with the program. Sam’s grandfather, Jim Heinitz, was a longtime head coach at Augustana—who has the playing surface at Kirkeby-Over Stadium named in his honor—and his older brother Thomas played quarterback for the Vikings.

“Having my dad on the sidelines throughout my career has been special,” Sam said. “During my first year on scout team, we interacted more, but even now one of the best parts is being able to walk into his office to talk football…or just life.”

Although Kelly doesn't directly coach Sam, the father-son connection remains strong.

Still, watching his sons play together has been a dream come true.

“Sam and Thomas have only been on the same team twice before Augustana,” Kelly said. “One of the most memorable moments for me was seeing Thomas throw a pass to Sam in his final high school home game. To see them competing together again here, it’s really special for all of us.”

For the Scholten family, the Augustana connection runs deep.

“We bleed Augustana navy and gold,” Kelly said. “I played football here. My wife graduated from here. Her father coached here. Our oldest son Zach just graduated after playing basketball here. It’s pretty neat to see our kids grow up and be part of this legacy.”

The Scholten duo isn’t alone in blending the lines between family and football.

Isaak Sipple, son of Augustana’s defensive coordinator Mark Sipple, didn’t always expect to wear the navy and gold. But his recruitment process steered him in a direction that would tie together his goals, his character and his family.

“What drew me to Augustana was the way the coaches communicated with me,” Isaak recalled. “They talked more about my personality, goals and leadership than my play on the field. I could tell they were looking for the right kind of men, not just the right kind of players.

Now a senior, Isaak has grown into a foundational leader on the defense his father helps design. Playing under his dad has brought both accountability and perspective.

Mark Sipple sees their on-field connection as a gift rather than a challenge.

“It’s an absolute honor to share this experience with him,” Mark said. “I don’t think a person can truly separate being a coach from being a dad. We just live in both roles at once.”

While Mark doesn’t coach Isaak any differently than the rest of the defense, he admits the entire journey has deepened their relationship in ways few father-son duos get to experience.

“I think it has added a deeper understanding of who each of us are outside the family circle. Most people don’t have that opportunity,” he said. “My family has always said I’m lucky enough to have two families—my actual family and this team. Watching Isaak become the man he is today is my proudest moment as both a coach and a father.”

Both Isaak and Sam recognize how unique it is to share this time with their families in such a close-knit program.

“My dad being my coach has just been an evolution of our relationship,” Isaak said. “He can coach me hard during practice and then come up after to talk about our family dog or how my mom’s doing. It’s about not taking things personally and leaving frustrations on the field.”

Sam echoed that sentiment.

“There’s a real commitment to excellence both on and off the field,” he said. “It’s a special environment, and I’m truly proud and grateful to be part of it.”

In the world of Augustana Football, family isn’t just a concept—it’s the foundation of everything the program stands for. From brothers on the field to sons learning from their fathers, the bond between teammates transcends football and creates an environment where players are committed to each other’s success. As the Vikings continue to grow and evolve, their family culture will remain the cornerstone of their identity, shaping not only the team’s legacy but also the future of those who wear the Augustana colors.

--GoAugie.com--