Football Vikings celebrate 8 wins plus bowl bid

Augustana’s football team broke loose for an 8-2 run in regular season play and a 7-2 third-place finish in the CCIW, thanks in part to the return of 10 fifth-year players this season.

The 10 athletes took advantage of their extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID pandemic.

"I've been playing  football since I was 7 years old, so yes it was hard for me to turn down an extra year to play," said Daniel Skold, offensive lineman. "I love football, and I had a feeling of what this team was capable of and just felt the need to come back to try and reach that potential."

Coaches say the fifth-year players brought not only experience to the playing field but also a maturity and leadership, especially in adverse moments.

"Any time that you have guys who have seen hundreds and hundreds of game snaps and have been through the ebbs and flows of different types of games, it gives you  an opportunity to have success," Coach Steve Bell said. "My hope is that our younger players have paid close attention to how to react in certain situations to establish growth throughout the program because the fifth-year players have shown the template on how to create a work ethic to produce and expect success. I feel we have a very talented roster returning next fall that is highly motivated to build upon this year."

Linebacker Tim Swaney chose to play a fifth year because of a season-ending injury last year.

"I wanted to prove to myself that I could come back and play another season," he said. "I also believed that our team would be successful because of what all the fifth years and true seniors have built over these last couple of years. The camaraderie that you build within this sport is like no other."

Swaney’s best memory of being a Viking is beating Washington University in St. Louis 35-17 this season. 

"That was a huge win for our program because it finally allowed us to have a chance to have an opportunity for post-season football," he said. "Also, we were the first Augustana football team to beat them since they joined the CCIW. To be a part of that and stamp ourselves into the record books is a great feeling."

The time spent with teammates is what Skold will never forget. "I have built the best friendships of my life and lived with my current roommate for five years and consider him my brother — and that’s what I take away from this more than anything," he said.

Coach Bell understands and appreciates the fifth-year players who chose to stay with the program an additional year.

"It shows an unbelievable love and respect for their teammates and a belief in what we preach as a football program," he said. "Yes, they all had a personal reason for why they came back, but the ultimate decision was because of the guys in the locker room, and that is special."