SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Every college football team hopes to build a program that will be remembered for a number of reasons, including their achievements on the field.
Players are a key part to that success, but it’s the head coach who builds and leads the team. Augustana’s Jerry Olszewski has been a staple for their football team, building one of the most successful tenures in school history.
Jerry Olszewski made several stops as an assistant, including two stints with Minnesota State, prior to becoming the head coach of St. Olaf in 2008.
Four years later, an opportunity presented itself in Sioux Falls.
“I thought I could win here. It’s a faith school where I can be me 24/7, 365 and be the real me. All those things fit and my wife said yes,” Olszewski said.
Coach Olszewski inherited a program that went 5-6 in 2012. His first five seasons saw program growth, going 31-25 in that span.
“We’re on a good run. I think the consistency of staff and the quality of student-athlete that we bring in, but I think we’ve recruited really well,” Olszewski said. “I think we’ve got great players and we put them in a position to be successful.”
“He does a great job, along with the coaches that he has on staff of getting everybody bought in. It’s cool to see once you’ve been here for a while and you see it,” Augustana senior linebacker Haden Wallace said.
A stretch of success started in 2018. Augustana is 50-18 over the past six seasons, including two conference championships, three trips to the postseason and a playoff win in 2023.
And on October 26 of this season, a win over Minnesota State marked Olszewski’s 80th win at Augustana, making him the all-time winningest coach in program history.
“I was talking to coach O after the Mankato game and I was like ‘dang coach, I’ve been a part of almost half of these wins with you since I started here in 2019.’ It’s been a special ride,” Augustana senior running back Jarod Epperson said.
Now, Augustana is in the hunt for another conference title and playoff berth, with the future as bright as it’s ever been.
“I’m really excited about our young players. In fact, they’re some of our better players, they just haven’t been there yet,” Olszewski said. “Our goals are high and the standard is high here.”
Olszewski is now officially 81-43 in his time at Augustana.
He and the Vikings will host the Key to the City Rivalry Saturday against USF. You can watch the game on KELOXTRA and KELOLAND.com.
