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Vikings Press Pass with Matthew Nicol
Vikings Press Pass with Matthew Nicol
Author: Matthew Nicol
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Vikings Press Pass is your all-access podcast for everything Augustana College athletics! Join me as I sit down with standout student-athletes from this NCAA Division III program, located in Rock Island, Illinois. From game highlights and personal stories to what it’s like competing in the CCIW, we dive deep into the lives of these Viking athletes and coaches. Whether you’re a fan or alum, this podcast is your ticket inside the world of Augie athletics. Tune in and get to know the players and coaches beyond the field of play!
75 Episodes
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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 to Saturday’s huge matchup against WashU with a bowl bid on the line. Tune in!
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 skating abilities. A great conversation ahead of taking on #1 North Central Cardinals.
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 personal weather man!
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 the JV team to a 4-0 record, and his passion for History. We also get a behind the scenes look on his recent engagement!
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 — from his summer internship at Rust-Oleum, fishing and cooking. A great conversation with one of the Vikings’ toughest runners!
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 Illinois State and gives us a little insight to pre-snap reads behind the eyes and mind of a hockey player turned QB!
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 bull.Off the field, Nick gives advice for younger players and shares some insight into his faith and interest in reading. A great conversation with one of the anchors of the Vikings defense—tune in!
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 of the leaders of the Viking offense—don’t miss it!
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 Crawford I hear is a heck of a Karaoke singer), advice for younger players, and what keeps him motivated on and off the field. t’s a great conversation with one of the anchors of this defense—don’t miss it!
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, Nick Hogan, and Dylan Burton. We dive into his path as a History Education major, game day routines, and offers a piece of advice for underclassmen. It’s a great conversation to kick off the season—tune in!
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, thoughts on D3 bowl games (including Isthmus), scheduling, and what it means to have his son Carter join the staff this year. It’s a packed episode to start the year—tune in! #GoVikings #CCIW #VikingsPressPass #d3fb #d3voices
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 development and strategy. Josh also reflects on his time at Augustana as an All-American Pitcher, memories from the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and the competitions with former teammate Harry Boushele.
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 nostalgia. A great hour with an even better person. Tune in!
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 memories (including the Freshman Florida trip and Indiana World Tour mishap), and life after Augie. A must-listen for fans as this tight-knit class gets ready for one last postseason run.
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!



