Brandon Hunt enters his third season as assistant coach of the Vikings in 2017 after spending his first two seasons as a volunteer assistant on head coach Tim Huber’s staff.
Working primarily with the catchers, Hunt also handles the majority of recruiting duties for Augustana. Hunt helped lead the Vikings to a 37-17 record and a 26-8 record in the NSIC. The Vikings finished second in the league.
Hunt helped with the development of many Vikings in 2016 including the development of Patrick O’Donnell who earned First Team All-America honors by the ABCA/Rawlings and the D2CCA. O’Donnell also earned Second Team All-America honors by the NCBWA.
Under Hunt's guidance four Vikings earned First Team All-NSIC honors while one earned second team honors. Four infielders were named to the NSIC Gold Glove Team, the most the school has produced in a single season. Augustana produced the most Academic All-NSIC members in 2016 when 13 members earned the academic honor. Fink and Michael Letkewicz also earned CoSIDA Academic All-District 7 honors.
The Vikings had multiple All-Region award winners this season as three were named to the NCBWA All-Region team and the D2CCA All-Region Team. Only O’Donnell earned ABCA/Rawlings All-Region honors.
The Rapid City, S.D. native continued the Vikings strong tradition at the plate in 2015, finishing the year ranked in the top three in the NSIC in numerous categories: including batting average (third, .350), slugging percentage (first, .543), on-base percentage (third, .419), runs scored (second, 448), hits (second, 620), RBI (second, 414) and home runs (first, 72).
Augustana’s batting average, runs scored, hits, home runs, and slugging percentage also ranked in the top 10 in all of NCAA Division II.
The former Viking standout helped play a key role in Augustana going 41-16 and taking home its first-ever Northern Sun Intertercollegiate Conference Tournament Championshp in 2014. The 41 wins were also a new school record for victories in a season.
Hunt also played a major part in the development of Augustana catcher Jack Goihl in 2014. Goihl was an All-America first-team selection by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) and American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). Goihl went on to be drafted in the 28th round of the 2015 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Cleveland Indians.
Hunt was an infielder/catcher/outfielder on Augustana’s 2003 North Central Conference championship team. He drove in two runs with a bases-loaded single in the top of the 10th inning as the Vikings defeated Northern Colorado, 6-3, in the title showdown. It was Augustana’s only NCC crown.
He graduated from Augustana in 2007 with a major in education. After college he served as assistant coach for Sioux Falls East and Augustana (2007, 2008).
Hunt served as the head coach of Sioux Falls Post 15 East’s baseball team for three years. He compiled a 101-50 record and led East to the 2011 South Dakota championship. East was the runner-up in 2010.
Hunt played for legendary Rapid City Post 22 coach Dave Ploof, helping the Hardhats to a pair of state championships (2001, 2002).
Hunt is pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Administration and Leadership at Augustana.
Hunt resides in Sioux Falls.
