At a time in which universities across the United States are cutting athletic programs due to financial struggles, Augustana University in South Dakota is adding two.
The NCAA Division II university in Sioux Falls announced Thursday that it’s adding men’s swimming and diving as well as women’s acrobatics and tumbling starting with the 2021-22 school year.
“A key part of our strategic plan, Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, is to provide new opportunities for students that also help fuel enrollment growth,” Augustana president Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said. “These two sport additions do just that, and we’re excited about the student-athletes these programs will attract as we continue building momentum here at Augustana.”
Lindsie Micko, who started the Augustana women’s swim program after being hired in 2015, will also coach the men’s program.
“Men’s swimming and diving will be a great complement to what Coach Micko has been building on the women’s side,” director of athletics Josh Morton said in the release.
The Vikings are the 36th school in the country offering acrobatics and tumbling, which was added to the NCAA’s emerging sports list in August.
“Acrobatics and tumbling will be a great addition not only for the Augustana community, but for Sioux Falls as well, and we’re proud to be part of a university that is always looking at unique and innovative ways to grow and serve students,” Morton said.
Once the programs are underway, Augustana will offer 21 varsity sports, 11 on the women’s side and 10 on the men’s side.
