Vikings Press Pass with Matthew Nicol

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 24 of Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Junior Guard Kadence Tatum from the Women’s Basketball team. We discuss the team’s return from the holiday break, including their recent series split at the Wisconsin Dells, where Kadence tied her career high with x4 steals. She shares insights on her impressive assist record, team chemistry, and her recovery from her ACL tear last season while...

In Episode 23 of the Vikings Press Pass, I’m joined by Senior Guard and Team Captain Matt Hawkins as we discuss the Vikings' strong start to the season, his leadership style, and the team’s preparation for their upcoming game against Millikin. Matt reflects on his growth over four years, sharing how he hopes to be remembered, the impact he’s had on teammates, but also opens up about the impact his...

In Episode 22 of Vikings Press Pass, I chat with Junior Guard Shaun Kelley from the Men’s Basketball team. We break down yesterday’s game against #17 Wisconsin Lutheran, his transition to Augustana, and the defensive mindset that’s made him the CCIW leader in steals (34). Shaun opens up about his journey to Augustana, including winning an NJCAA National Championship at Milwaukee Area Technical Col...

In Episode 21 of the Vikings Press Pass, I connect with Senior Guard, Evan Ambrose from the Men’s Basketball team. We talk about the team’s win over Bethel yesterday, the depth and chemistry of the team, playing selfless basketball, playing point guard, and how the team breaks down the game in to mini-games they try to focus on and win. He shares his game day prep which includes Michael Jackson an...

In Episode 20 of the Vikings Press Pass, I chat with Senior Chase Larsen from the Men’s Basketball team. We talk about the team’s 7-3 start, the comeback win at Benedictine, his evolution as a 3-year starter and team leader. We also dive into his history education major, his enjoyment of reading Plato and Socrates, and listening to Pink Floyd + Nirvana. Don’t forget—Vikings host the Royals tomorro...

In this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, I sit down with Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Malik Wildermuth to discuss the team’s strong start, the113-65 victory over Knox, and his sideline perspective. We also dive into Malik’s playing career at Central, the recent Juco preliminary injunction, his journey to Augustana, and even some prior influential people in the basketball world that has helpe...

On this episode of Vikings Press Pass, I chat with Wrestling Head Coach Tony Willaert about the growth of Augustana’s program, highlights from the men’s and women’s teams, and the recent Tim Dodge dedication of the Carver Wrestling Arena. We also discussed the impact of the FloSports platform and we preview the upcoming women's matchup on Jan 18th at the #1 ranked University of Iowa. Plus, learn a...

Today I connected with Ashley Lang, Senior, Forward for the Augustana Women’s Basketball Team. We reflect on her four years at Augie, the challenges of playing collegiate basketball, the Vikings trip to Greece, and her academic journey as a Biology major. Ashley also shares insights about her work as a Patient Care Technician, some holiday movie favorites and we uncover a hidden talent - Badminton...

Today, I sat down with this week’s CCIW Student-Athlete of the Week, Paige Melton, a sophomore guard for the Augustana Women’s Basketball Team. We recapped Saturday’s game at North Central and discussed Coach Beinborn’s “in-the-moment” coaching style. Paige shared insights into the physical demands of her increased workload this season, highlighted by her career-high 31-point performance against E...

Today, I sat down with Emma Berg, senior and captain of the Augustana Women’s Basketball Team. Emma shared what drew her to Augustana, her plans after graduation, and how the current 6-game home stretch has strengthened team chemistry. We also discussed her leadership style and reflected on her impressive career milestones. Emma is on track to finish 11th all-time in games played and is closing in...

Today I sat down with 5th Year Tyler Knuth of the Men's Basketball Program. We talked a bit about his reason to return for a 5th year, the Vikings 3-0 start, the OT win at DePauw, and their look ahead to #2 Wisconsin-Platteville. Bear with us a bit as we worked through some connectivity issues, but it was great to connect with my son's favorite player..."Tyler #32" as he would say!

As we enter Week 1, I sat down with the QB of the Augustana Vikings, Cole Bhardwaj. We talked about his decision to return for his 5th year, Fall Camp, this past Saturday's Loras scrimmage, what we can expect from the Vikings this year, and some of the best food spots around the Quad Cities area!

As the Vikings are in a Week 2 BYE before traveling up to face the Wheaton Thunder, I sat down with Augustana O-Lineman, Cain Johnson. We talked about his decision to return for a 5th year, spending a week training in Dallas over the Summer, what we can expect as we look ahead to Wheaton, and a nod to his mother as his most influential person in his life.

As the Vikings are in a Week 2 BYE before traveling up to face the Wheaton Thunder, I sat down with Augustana Linebacker, Rukkus Hunkins. We talked about his decision to return for a 5th year, filling the void of time fishing and hunting, the Viking's expectations defensively heading in to Wheaton, the process of being nominated as a Captain, and several members of the Vikings Defense that are rea...

As the Vikings are in Week 4, I sat down with Augustana's Senior Strong Safety, Johnny Breeden. We talked about this past week's Wheaton game, upcoming game this Saturday at Millikin. He shared what happens in the 20-25 seconds between plays, the decisions and reads that need to be made pre-snap and the importance of relationships on the field to maximize communication through the whistle. We also...

As the Vikings are in Week 5, I sat down with Augustana's Junior Cornerback, Darren Oregon. We talked about this past week's Millikin game and this weekend's Homecoming game vs North Park. We talked about playing in secondary, field side vs boundary side differences, Coach Brian Krier's leadership and expectations. We also talked about his decision to play football over basketball in college, his...

As the Vikings head into Week 5, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Augustana’s Junior Kick Returner and Wide Receiver, Breyden Smith. We discussed last week’s game against Millikin and looked ahead to tomorrow’s Homecoming clash with North Park. Our conversation covered the impressive growth of the Special Teams, and I let him know that he’s just 19 yards away from becoming the all-time lead...

Today I sat down with Joren Clem, Kicker and Punter for the Vikings. We discussed all x3 phases of the game: Kickoffs, Punts and Field Goals including the mechanics and schemes that go in to the kicking game. We also discussed his Whetstone Braves HS Baseball days, how he got to Augie, his parents meeting at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, and career paths his Biology Degree c...

Today I sat down with Mike Digioia, Running Back and Captain for the Vikings! We talked about the Vikings' success on the ground game (352yds) this past weekend vs Elmhurst, his 216yd-3td Powerade Men's Student Athlete of the Week performance, and nod to Ben Ludlum + Josh Lim's ability to be change of pace backs. We also have a formal career announcement as he will be accepting a role at Selden Fo...

Today I sat down with Hugh Keany, Defensive Tackle and Captain for the Augustana Vikings. We talked a little bit about this past Saturday's game at Carroll, but turned our focus to discuss a bit about who have helped to influence him during his time at Augie. We also discussed his leadership style, the Vikings run defense, their current #1 ranking in sacks in the CCIW, and what it will take to slo...

Today I sat down with Senior Defensive Back, Dakota Straight. We talked a bit about the upcoming "Gold Rush" Senior Day, why he chose Biology, his post-Augie plans to pursue Physical Therapy, Lebron or Jordan as the "Goat", and Brisket Tacos or Biscuits 'n Gravy as his favorite "Straight Tailgate" food! As a dual-sport athlete, we also talked about the upcoming Track & Field seasons as a pole...

Today I sat down with Josh Woodrey, Senior Defensive Lineman for the Vikings. We talked about the upcoming Senior Day, reflected a bit on his time at Augustana, his choice to pursue Mechanical Engineering as he finishes the first Engineering cohort. We also switched gears and talked about him being a dual-sport athlete and looking ahead to the Wrestling Season as the Vikings are selected 3rd in th...

Today I sat down with the Women's Basketball Head Coach at Augustana, Mark Beinborn. Coach Beinborn shared insights to his approach to the 2024-2025 season, the players to watch this year, and discussed the incoming Freshman class which dominates the roster. We also discussed the tough competition in the CCIW conference, we previewed a number of ranked opponents and he shared some insight about hi...

In today’s video, I sat down with Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jordan Delp to talk about his transition from Assistant Coach to Head Coach last season, the team’s new and returning players, and the incredible staff he’s built around him. We dive into what it means to compete in the CCIW, the team's strong connection to the Rock Island community, and preview the schedule, which includes matchups aga...