Vikings Press Pass with Matthew Nicol

I sit back down with the Women's Basketball Head Coach at Augustana, Mark Beinborn. We reflect on the 2024-2025 season, the trip to Spain, and talk about the team as they are 6-games in to the season.

This week, I sit down with Augustana linebacker Carl Thomas to break down the Vikings’ big win over Carthage and his standout performance leading the team in tackles. We talk about what makes this linebacker group special, his journey from Quincy to Augie, and why the LB mindset fits him so well. Carl also shares insights on his academic path, his family’s influence, and we wrap with a look ahead...

I sit down with TE Jake Miller ahead of the game vs Carthage. We connect on his 3 TD performance last Saturday, him playing in the McDonalds Baseball All-Star game, intramural basketball, and some great one-liners.... "If you want the rock you gotta block." "Never go broke from making a profit."

Vikings Press Pass is your all-access podcast for Augustana College athletics! Join me as I sit down with standout student-athletes from this NCAA Division III program in Rock Island, Illinois.

Vikings Press Pass is your all-access podcast for Augustana College athletics! Join me as I sit down with standout student-athletes from this NCAA Division III program in Rock Island, Illinois. On this episode, Junior Jimmy Zitkus joins me and we talk all things Center and offensive line related. We introduced questions from an 8-yr old, and we find out he takes a lot of pride in his roller skatin...

Vikings Press Pass is your all-access podcast for Augustana College athletics! Join me as I sit down with standout student-athletes from this NCAA Division III program in Rock Island, Illinois. On this episode, Junior WR Sean Schlanser joins me to talk about the Vikings 4-1 start, a potent passing offense, the WR room, building rapport with a new QB, and we get some insight knowledge to his person...

On this special episode of the Vikings Press Pass, I’m joined by viral cousins Gio and Johnny, the duo behind “We Family Now.” We talk about how a random event led to a life-changing connection. They share what they’ve learned about each other and why this story proves family can be found anywhere.

Vikings Press Pass is your all-access podcast for Augustana College athletics! Join me as I sit down with standout student-athletes from this NCAA Division III program in Rock Island, Illinois. On this episode, Senior OL Ben Hartman joins me to talk about the Vikings’ 3-1 start and their latest win over North Park. Ben shares his journey through offseason surgery and rehab, his role helping coach...

Vikings Press Pass is your all-access podcast for Augustana College athletics! Join me as I sit down with standout student-athletes from this NCAA Division III program in Rock Island, Illinois. On this episode, senior RB Ben Ludlum joins me to talk about the Vikings’ ground game, learning from prior RBs Rivelli and Digioia, and stepping in to that lead role. We also chat about life off the field —...

Vikings Press Pass is your all-access podcast for Augustana College athletics! Join me as I sit down with standout student-athletes from this NCAA Division III program in Rock Island, Illinois. On this episode, QB Jimmy Makuh discusses stepping in as the Vikings’ starter, the win over Millikin, and why offensive success comes down to all 11 guys. He also shares insight into his transfer from Illin...

On this episode, Senior OL Max Castle talks about his road back from surgery, moving from guard to tackle, and what it takes to anchor the line. We dive into his Europe trip, fishing and grilling hobbies, and his strong bond with the O-line and coaches.

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, Senior DE and Captain Nick Hogan joins me to break down the defensive effort in the Simpson game, and his return to full strength after last season’s knee issues. We also dive into leadership, his path as a Finance/Accounting major, and his summer internship with O’Shea Builders—yes, it includes a story of the "Outrageous Games" which includes a mechanical bu...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, Senior WR and two-time captain Breyden Smith joins me for his second appearance on the show. We break down the Simpson game, takeaways on offense, and his connection with transfer QB Jimmy Makuh. Breyden also shares advice for younger players, and gives us a look into life off the field—including his connection his younger brother. A fun conversation with one...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Senior LB and Captain Dylan Burton ahead of the season opener at Simpson. We talk about his journey back from an ACL injury and how it feels to be back at game speed. Dylan also shares insights on leadership as a captain, his path as a Geography & GIS major, and his game day routines. Plus, we get into fall camp traditions (hint: Johnny Cr...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Senior Captain Toby Splitt as we get ready for the Vikings’ season opener at Simpson. We break down preparation for week one, the impact of new defensive coaches, and how the secondary is reloading. Toby also reflects on the Loras scrimmage, his expanded role as a captain, and what leadership looks like alongside fellow captains Breyden Smith,...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I kick off Season 2 with Head Football Coach Steve Bell. Coach reflects on the team’s spring trip to Rome and what that unforgettable experience meant to the players. We also preview fall camp, upcoming scrimmages, and what first year players can expect. Coach Bell shares insight on key returners, transfers, this year’s captains, players to watch this fall, t...

On this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, we reconnect with Augie alum and current Kansas State Graduate Assistant Josh Wintroub. After pitching for the Wildcats last season, Josh has transitioned into a key analytics role on staff, using his background in data to help drive performance. We talk about his jump from Division III to Division I, the mindset shift, and how analytics play into player...

On this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, we catch up with Harrison Boushele, now pitching at the University of Houston. Harry reflects on his transition, from D3 to D1, bouncing back from injury, and his first year at Houston. We talk Augie memories including the 2022 and 2023 championship runs, bible study groups, playing baseball with his brother Hayden, his Colorado roots, and Rockies nostalg...

On this special Senior Edition of the Vikings Press Pass, all 6x Augustana Softball Seniors—Kennedy, Meghan, Anna, Ally, Hannah, and Rose—join the show to reflect on their incredible journey. From a 4-12 conference record as freshmen to back-to-back 26-win seasons and a #2 seed in the CCIW Tournament, this group has helped transform the program. We talk team chemistry, personal growth, favorite me...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, freshman 1B Aubrey Gradin joins the show! We talk about her journey from Davenport West to Augustana, earning CCIW Hitter of the Week honors, and her hot bat heading into the conference tournament. Plus, we get into her love for Fleetwood Mac, favorite jersey combo, and more!

On this episode of the Vikings Press Pass , 5th-year senior 2B Alec McGinnis joins the show! ⚾ We talk about his decision to return for one more season, hitting for the cycle, becoming Augie’s all-time leader in assists, and his favorite memories. Plus: we find out he was a former hooper back in HS and he selects his starting x5 from the baseball team. More importantly, we get to hear about his a...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, Augie alum Chase Maifield (’23) checks in! 🚀 We talk about his coaching stop at Judson, playing D1 ball at Valpo, facing top-ranked teams, and his favorite Viking memories — including a story about raccoons! 🦝 Plus, Chase is officially kicking off spring training tomorrow with the New Jersey Jackals after a long drive out east! ⚾🔥 Must listen!

On this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, Freshman catcher Alaina Diaz joins me following a dominant doubleheader sweep over Wheaton. We dive into her reaction to being named to the NFCA Division III "Player of the Year" Watch List and what it’s like hitting in the heart of a Vikings offense ranked among the nation’s best. Alaina also talks about her connection with Coach Nelson, the influence of...

On Episode 50 of Vikings Press Pass, we celebrate this podcast's 50th Episode milestone with Freshman shortstop Alexis Duke from the Augustana Softball team. Alexis shares what it’s been like making an immediate impact in her first year, including a huge doubleheader performance vs. Wheaton and what it takes to be successful in the leadoff spot (leadoff stats: 11-21, .524 BA, .615 OBP, .857 SLG, 1...

On this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, I’m joined by Junior 3B Emma Evans from the Augustana Softball team. We break down a jam-packed week on the diamond that included three doubleheaders and the start of conference play. Emma reflects on key moments from wins over Buena Vista and Millikin, the slugfest with Carthage, and how the team is holding strong at 13-3 overall. We also explore Emma’s...