Voice of Augustana Vikings, Jeff Fylling Passes Away At 69

Dedication, humility and passion for the craft. Those are just some of the words that describe Jeff Fylling, voice of the Augustana Vikings for over 40 years, who passed away on Thursday from complications of Leukemia.

Not only was Jeff the Play-By-Play broadcaster for Augustana, he was also a proud alum, graduating in 1978. It was just six years later, on September 3, 1984, Jeff called his first football game for the Vikes. Over four decades later, that number grew to a remarkable 442 games in his unsurpassed career. He was also the voice of the Augustana Men's and Women's basketball teams, calling over 1,600 games over the decades, including the 2013 Women's Final Four Appearance and the Men's 2016 National Championship victory.

As a Play-By-Play broadcaster, Jeff was not only great at his craft but also conscientious with everyone he met, "It didn't matter if you were the last guy on the bench, or the first guy, he made you feel special." -Jeff Hauge, Coworker and Colleague

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Our hearts are hurting for someone who did so much for Augustana Athletics for over four decades. For so many, his voice IS Augustana football and basketball, and his impact was far greater than just that for countless student-athletes and coaches. We are so grateful to call him the Forever Voice of the Vikings and we send our prayers to his family and close friends.

-Vice President for Athletics Augustana Josh Morton

It was the summer of 2024 when Jeff learned that he had a rare but aggressive form of Leukemia. Not being one to back away from a fight, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work, traveling to the Mayo Clinic for treatment. But he also knew, this fight would take him away from his true passion, the Augustana Vikings. Jeff recorded this message for the Augustana fanbase that summer, much of which still resonates today, in the days since his passing.

The 2024 season was a year of uncertainty, with those closest to Jeff (and the Augustana faithful) unsure whether he would make it back to Kirkeby-Over Stadium to call games again. But Jeff had other ideas. This past summer, he announced he would be returning for "one more ride" with the Augustana Vikings football team. Jeff courageously made his way back to the booth this past fall and watched his Vikes' cruise to an impressive 9-2 record, falling just short of the postseason.

Jeff Fylling was the "Voice of the Vikings" for 42 amazing seasons. He also called more than 1,200 Sioux Falls area High School basketball and football games over the years, including his hometown Lennox Orioles.

Outside of sports, Jeff worked for Sanford Health for many years and in the sales-department for Results Townsquare Media.

Augustana lost a legend with the passing of “The Voice. He was definitely one-of-one. Not many people have touched so many different layers of Augustana like Jeff has. The million miles of travel to games, the countless hours of game prep, building relationships with players and staff will never be matched, nor will the pride he had in our school and the love he had for others.

Mostly, I will miss my dear friend who always kept perspective and was as loyal as they come. I know you will be watching over us from your heavenly pressbox. “I’m out of time, thanks for yours” my friend.

-Augustana Head Football Coach, Jerry Olszewski