Two coaches praised each other and their teams Tuesday morning, as Augustana College held a welcome home celebration for the national runner-up basketball team and national champion 1600-meter relay team. At the Carver Center in Rock Island, the Vikings displayed their trophies from the season after placing second in the Division III Final Four over the weekend.
On March 15th, the same day the basketball team won the sectional title, Augustana's 1600-meter relay team won the indoor track and field national title in North Carolina. Coach Paul Olsen says the three seniors and one sophomore overcame illnesses and a concussion to win.
Basketball Coach Grey Giovaninesays the five seniors on the basketball team showed true leadership throughout the season.
A big crowd of students, staff, and local residents came to the celebration to thank the athletes and their coaches for great seasons.