Vikings Press Pass with Matthew Nicol

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I’m joined by fifth-year Senior Alex Simon from the Baseball team. We dive into his decision to return for another season. Alex breaks down his versatility on the field—playing third base, catcher, first base, and DH—and shares his thoughts on the Vikings’ season so far, including their battles in close games. We also discuss the art of switch-hitting, how a...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I’m joined by Junior Emily Gad from the Augustana Softball team. We break down the team’s road-heavy schedule the past week between Tennessee and Florida (JV + Varsity), how that talent compares to the CCIW, and key takeaways from their early-season success. Plus, English Education, the impact and support from her parents, her path to Augustana, Lana Del Rey,...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I’m joined by senior Cameron Miller from the Augustana Baseball team. We discuss his pitching style and how he embraces the pressure of closing out games or pitching in high-stakes situations. Cameron also reflects on the team’s recent trip to the RussMatt Invitational in Florida, comparing the competition there to what they’ll face as they begin CCIW play at...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I’m joined by Junior Marley Behm from the Augustana Softball team. The Vikings are off to a dominant 6-0 start, and we dive into what’s been clicking for the team early on. Marley shares her thoughts on the home opener against Coe, the team’s chemistry, and what makes this season feel special. We also talk about her Colorado roots, the Avalanche winning the S...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I’m joined by fifth-year senior Dymitri Kanellakis to break down the Vikings’ 6-4 start to the season, his transition from center to left field, and his motivation for returning for one final year. We dive into the team’s offensive firepower, the maturity of several standout freshmen, his growth as a player, playing at the U of Iowa, and how he prepares for g...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, fifth-year senior Michael Aragon joins the show to talk about the team’s trip to Fort Myers for the Gene Cusic Classic, and this past weekend's Augustana Invitational. Michael shares insights on McGraw and Fischer's performance Saturday against Buena Vista; we discuss different field surface types, pitching/catching in various types of weather, how electronic...

Fifth-year senior Addison Southwick joins me on the Vikings Press Pass to discuss his decision to return for another season and what motivates him on the mound. We break down the Vikings' start to the season, the pitching rotation, and some fresh names to watch. Addison reflects on his record-setting 2022 season, and the excitement of upcoming trips to Fort Myers and Iowa City (vs the Hawkeyes), w...

Junior pitcher Lauren Koster joins me on the Vikings Press Pass to talk about the Vikings' 4-0 start. She shares insights on the team’s evolving culture, impact players, personal and team goals, the process of stepping in to a leadership role, and the moment she believes the team truly began buying in to the coaching staff's vision. We also dive into her pitching style, what she’s learned from for...

Senior Nicolas Giliberto joins me on the Vikings Press Pass fresh off a huge Senior Night win over #11 Illinois Wesleyan. We discuss the electric atmosphere, the impact of the home crowd, and what securing a CCIW quarterfinals game at home means for the Vikings. Nic also shares his thoughts on receiving the CCIW RESPECT Award, his role in the team’s recent success, and his journey from Arizona to...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, Head Softball Coach John Nelson joins me to talk about the team’s red-hot 4-0 start—their best since 2015. We break down the opening weekend at the Blue Angle Invite, including a statement win over #23 UW-Stevens Point. Coach Nelson also shares insight to his 2nd year at the helm, the1st year hurdles of taking on a new team, the coaching staff, the culture sh...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Assistant Coach Eric Rowell to talk about his long-standing connection to Augustana basketball, spanning 14 seasons across both the men’s and women’s programs. He shares how Augustana continues to position itself as a top-tier place of academic excellence and it's ability to attract students globally. We dive into this year’s team, highlight o...

In this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Associate Head Coach Justin Hauer as the Vikings gear up for their season opener at the Rhodes Classic in Memphis. We discuss the challenges of preseason preparation in winter conditions, the impact of returning x7 5Yrs and x7 Seniors on the roster and the expectation that others can and will step up to play critical roles throughout the seaso...

In this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Senior wrestler Jacob Badger, currently regionally ranked at 197 lbs, to talk about his season, mindset, and preparation for the upcoming conference championships this weekend. We talked about the Pete Willson Invitational and how he stays mentally strong after tough matches. Jacob also shares insights on his wrestling style, pre-match rou...

In this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, I catch up with Anthony Cooper from the Men’s Basketball team to talk about the Vikings’ third straight win over Millikin, what’s been driving their recent success, and the push to host a conference tournament game. We also discuss Anthony’s role on the team as a shooter, his journey to Augustana, and his plans after graduation. Plus, a little Super Bowl...

In this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Kade Ariano, student manager for the Men’s Basketball team. We talk about his journey to the role, his daily responsibilities, and balancing academics and athletics. Kade shares memorable moments with the team, insights from his internship with the Quad Cities River Bandits MiLB this past summer, his passion for kinesiology and physical th...

On this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, I chat with Augustana Wrestling Senior Jack Patting about his season, recent tournament performances, and preparation for the CCIW Championships. He shares insights on training, advice for youth wrestlers and transitioning from his youth days at Young Guns WC to a standout high school career at Rock Island Alleman HS to his college career. Beyond the mat,...

In Episode 32, I spend some time with Junior Guard, Carly Stone of the Women's Basketball team. She shared how wanting to be closer to extended family in the Midwest and the Kinesiology Program drew her to Augustana. I got all the insights to the best places in the Portland area, found out she is a bit of a sneakerhead, enjoys Fleetwood Mac, and her first sport she loved was actually soccer!

In Episode 31 of the Vikings Press Pass, I connect with Senior Guard, Colton Gillingham. We covered the season, yesterday's win vs North Central, increased consistencies in the program, and how personnel rotations are a strength of the team. We discussed his business simulation J-term class, and he also shared some insight growing up in Greeley, CO, his love for the Denver Nuggets and how an invit...

In Episode 30 of the Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Senior big man, Mike Hamilton as we discuss yesterdays big overtime win at home vs North Central. We talked about the Vikings season, looked ahead to the 5 remaining games, and he shared some great insight to how Coach Delp is positioning this program to look and feel like a D1 program. We even discussed his recently found interest in cookin...

In Episode 29 of the Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Senior and 3-sport athlete, Bill Unyi from the eSports team to discuss his journey in competitive gaming, specifically Super Smash Bros. We dove DEEP in to SSB and talked about characters (Lucina is a favorite), stages, gameplay, strategy, and combos! One of his most memorable eSports moments was beating a Top100 ranked player. Outside of eS...

In Episode 29 of the Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Senior and 3-sport athlete, Bill Unyi from the eSports team to discuss his journey in competitive gaming, specifically Super Smash Bros. We dove DEEP in to SSB and talked about characters (Lucina is a favorite), stages, gameplay, strategy, and combos! One of his most memorable eSports moments was beating a Top100 ranked player. Outside of eS...

In Episode 28 of the Vikings Press Pass, Senior and CCIW Women’s Wrestler of the Week, Sawyer Graham, joins me to discuss her incredible upset victory over No. 2-ranked Sabrina Nauss of Grand Valley State and her preparation for the upcoming CCIW Championships, her journey to the sport after seeing her brother's success, and how she landed at Augustana from Maryland. We talk about her interest in...

In Episode 27 of Vikings Press Pass, Senior Sandie Pfeil from Augustana’s Women’s Wrestling team joins me to discuss the team’s recent duals against top-ranked #4 Grand Valley State and #1 Iowa, competing at a high level, and inspiring young athletes in the stands. She also shares insights on preparing for the upcoming CCIW Conference Championships and the excitement surrounding the first NCAA Wom...

In Episode 25 of Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Senior and x3 National Champ Runner-Up, John Bolton from the eSports team to discuss his journey in competitive gaming, specifically NBA2K. John shares how he discovered the newly established eSports program at Augustana, his approach to balancing academics with gaming and playing football, and what it’s been like helping build the program’s fou...

In Episode 26 of the Vikings Press Pass, I connect with Freshman Audrey Erickson from the Women’s Basketball team to discuss her transition from high school to college, both on and off the court. Audrey, a standout from Alleman High School with over 1,000+ career points, shares insights into her basketball journey, the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, and what it’s been like playin...