Maggie Lile, features editor

With black, gray and maroon balloons lining the hallways and a schedule packed with exciting events for students and alumni, Augsburg Athletics’ Homecoming festivities did not disappoint. This year was extra special, as Augsburg celebrated 100 years of Augsburg Athletics!  

The first of the Athletics Homecoming events began on Thursday, Oct. 10 in the evening with the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony. This ceremony is an annual event to recognize the athletes who have excelled through their collegiate athletic career and into their personal and professional lives. Current student-athletes filled the chairs of the chapel to honor the people who came before them as well as remind themselves of the importance of athletics. 

Current Womens Volleyball assistant coach and Augsburg alum Colleen Enrico was also in attendance that night. “I love the Hall of Fame celebration because you have eager student-athletes who are excited about their current opportunities and you have former student-athletes who are looking back and remembering what it was like to be in their shoes. It is such a beautiful mixture of nostalgia and excitement,” she said in an interview with the Echo, remembering some of the feelings from her own decorated collegiate career. 

The ceremony started with recognitions such as the Distinguished Athletic Service Award, Excellence in Coaching Award and the Legend of Augsburg Athletics Award. After that, the eight new inductees of the Athletic Hall of Fame each took a turn giving a short speech highlighting their time at Augsburg and how it has shaped them into the person that they are today. “In general I think Augsburg does such a beautiful job of celebrating and I love that student-athletes are able to attend,” Enrico adds. “It is a cool opportunity to learn about ‘showing up’ for your community.”

On Friday, Oct. 11, The Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony welcomed Devean George to speak in Hoversten Chapel. Devean George is an Augsburg alumni whose collegiate basketball career took him all the way to the NBA for 11 seasons. From living in an underdeveloped neighborhood of North Minneapolis, to winning three NBA National Championships, to now owning his own real estate business focused on the community development of North Minneapolis neighborhoods, he makes it clear that he could not have done it without his time as an Auggie. Later in the evening, the volleyball team went on to sweep their opponents to start off a winning weekend for the Auggies.

Saturday, Oct. 12 was the busiest day of Homecoming, with Taste of Augsburg taking place in the Quad outside of Christensen Center. A mix of athletic teams, student organizations and faculty members huddled together with tents and tables selling a variety of goodies for students, alumni and friends. Savory cultural staples, fun drinks, t-shirts, baked goods and various types of food on a stick were on the menu for Taste of Augsburg. Also on the agenda was the Homecoming football game, resulting in a big win for the Auggies. Augsburg Womens Soccer took to the field afterwards, clutching another win for the Auggies, and Augsburg Mens Soccer followed up with a solid tie. The volleyball team took the floor that evening as well, bringing home another big win to solidify a very successful weekend for Augsburg Athletics.

Sunday, Oct. 13 provided a peaceful wrap-up of the week with a wonderful concert put on by the Music Department. Featuring the Global Harmony Choir, Orchestra and Concert Band, it was the perfect end to an exciting week. Happy Homecoming, Auggies!