When Augustana rolled past their opponent in a 49-point blowout on Saturday, it benefited the campus in more ways than one.
"I couldn't believe it," said Kent Barnds, vice president of enrollment at Augustana College.
"I would characterize Saturday night and the performance of that team, which was nearly perfect, as one of the most exciting moments I've witnessed on campus," Barnds added.
While the win boosted campus moral and excitement, Augustana officials said the victory sealed an important opportunity when recruiting new students.
"Success breeds success," said Mike Zapolski, Augustana College's director of athletics.
"Student athletes are attracted by the buzz of winning and successful programs," Zapolski added.
The last time the Vikings played in the NCAA Men's Division III Final Four was 1993. Zapolski said this year's trip will attract top-notch athletes to the Augustana program.
But a winning sport's program attracts more than talented athletes.
"As we talk to prospective students who are right in the midst of making their final decisions, big wins like this are big wins for Augustana College," Barnds said.
He added that students, whether they are involved in athletics or not, want to be a part of an exciting campus, and this recent trip to the final four is proof that Augustana is a fantastic campus to study and live.
Augustana will face Babsin College in Salem, Virginia on Friday, March 20 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. If they win, they'll play for the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m..