Augustana University Athletics

Pronounced Va-nah-sek. 2008: Started all 12 games at strong safety …Named to the NSIC South Division All-Conference Honorable Mention Team … Finished fifth on the team with 70 tackles, including 43 solo stops …Tallied eight, all solos, at Upper Iowa, including four tackles for loss for a total of 24 yards … Forced two fumbles at Upper Iowa, and forced and recovered one at Minnesota, Crookston … Had a team-leading six sacks, including three at Upper Iowa, and one at Emporia State. 

2007: Participated in all 11 games…Returned one punt for 16 yards versus Concordia-St. Paul…Tallied 22 tackles, including a season-high five at Northern State…Had three tackles-for-loss, including a half-sack for seven yards at Northern State…Also broke up two passes at NSU…Returned a Minnesota State failed PAT for two points. 

2006: Appeared in all 11 games as a backup defensive back and on special teams … Collected 10 tackles, including 8 solo stops. 

2005: Sat out seas as a redshirt. 

High School: A two-year starter at Lakeville High School … As a senior in 2004 he recorded 62 tackles with 3 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries … An All-Lake Conference performer … Named the Panthers’ Defensive Most Valuable Player … Helped the Panthers to a 14-0 record in 2003 and a Class 5A state championship, along with current Viking football player Mark Booth … Also a three-year starter and captain on the hockey team … Has 8 goals and 9 assists so far this season … Named all-conference as a junior after scoring 13 goals with 13 assists … A two-year starting catcher and captain on the baseball team … Teammate of another Viking, Kevin Knapp. 

High School Coach: Larry Thompson. 

Personal: Son of Tom and Meg Vanasek … Major is sport management.