SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – It is with great sadness that Augustana Athletics must send the news along that the voice of Augustana football and basketball, Jeff Fylling '78, passed away Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 69. Wake and funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

"Our hearts are hurting for someone who did so much for Augustana Athletics for over four decades," said Vice President for Athletics Josh Morton. "For so many, his voice IS Augustana football and basketball, and his impact was far greater than just that for countless student-athletes and coaches. We are so grateful to call him the Forever Voice of the Vikings and we send our prayers to his family and close friends."

"Augustana lost a legend with the passing of "The Voice,"" said head football coach Jerry Olszewski. "He was definitely one-of-one. Not many people have touched so many different layers of Augustana like Jeff has. The million miles of travel to games, the countless hours of game prep, building relationships with players and staff will never be matched, nor will the pride he had in our school and the love he had for others.

"Mostly, I will miss my dear friend who always kept perspective and was as loyal as they come. I know you will be watching over us from your heavenly pressbox. "I'm out of time, thanks for yours" my friend."

In his 42 seasons as the Voice of the Vikings, Fylling saw 34 NCAA tournament appearances between football, men's basketball and women's basketball and was on the call for the 2013 Women's Final Four team and the 2016 Men's National Championship basketball team.

"What a great guy, friend and ambassador for Augustana," said head men's basketball coach Cody Schilling. "He was the voice of Augustana Basketball but, more importantly over the years, he became family to all of us. He will be missed greatly. There is no doubt he's in a better place. I cannot thank him enough for the love and support he showed me throughout my playing and coaching career at AU. Fylling represented everything that is so special about Augustana University and valued relationships over everything. 

"Thank you Jeff for everything you have done for Augustana Men's Basketball and Augustana University. You left a legacy. Well done, good and faithful servant. Thoughts and prayers to all of his family and loved ones."

Fylling called nearly 450 football games and over 1,600 basketball games across 42 seasons with Augustana. He was on the call for two NSIC championship football seasons, including the first outright conference championship since 1959, and seven NSIC titles across men's and women's basketball. 

"Jeff was the first person to come to my office after I was hired," said head women's basketball coach Nate Vogel. "He gave me a warm welcome that I'll never forget. I'm thankful for the time I was able to spend with Jeff and will miss the conversations I had with him."

For more on Jeff's impact, Dakota News Now and Happy Hour with John Gaskins have features linked.