In October 2021, Augustana University announced that it will be home to the Viking Men’s Hockey program — set to take the ice in the fall of 2023. The public announcement came during a groundbreaking ceremony on AU’s campus for the program’s new Midco Arena. The hockey program, which will compete at the NCAA Division I level, will be the Vikings’ 23rd collegiate sport and first of its kind in South Dakota.
Within Midco Arena will be a strength and conditioning center, thanks to the support of Augustana alumnus Tom Walsh Sr. ‘72, and his wife, Augustana Board of Trustees (BOT) member Kathy Walsh — longtime supporters of the AU community.
“The City of Sioux Falls and AU will have a beautiful state-of-the-art hockey arena,” Kathy said. “It should increase interest from prospective students and enhance the campus experience.”
Along with leading several charitable foundations, Tom is most known for serving as program coordinator for the Minnehaha County Juvenile Court System, developing and operating Burger King restaurants in the region and founding GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.
Kathy, a former teacher, has volunteered with a number of organizations including the Sioux Falls Junior League, South Dakota Catholic Community Foundation, Augustana Booster Board, Parent Advisory Board at O’Gorman High School and Sanford Health Foundation Board. Now, the couple is involved in making Augustana’s new Midco Arena a reality.
“It will be a source of pride for students, faculty and our community,” Tom added. “This exhibits Augustana’s commitment to excellence and growth.”
For more information on how to contribute to the program, visit augielink.com/hockey.
