Contact: Bruce Conley, News Information Director
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
e-mail: bruce_conley@augie.edu
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September 2, 2002

Six Added to Augustana's Athletic Hall of Fame

Two All-America athletes are among the six to be inducted into the Augustana Athletic Hall of Fame October 4, 2002.

Tony Adkins '88 and Matt Kiesow '93 will be joined by Paul Limburg '87, Brett Szabo '91, Kathy “K.K.” Orstad '92, and Rich Risner '54 during induction activities at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The Hall of Fame Banquet begins at 7:00 p.m.

TONY ADKINS transferred to Augustana from Harper Junior College in Chicago, Ill., and immediately earned a starting role with the Vikings' defensive unit. He was selected to the All-North Central Conference team in 1986 and 1987, and was honored as the league's most valuable defensive lineman in 1987. The Vikings' nose guard earned Kodak All-America honors in 1987 based on a season that included 113 tackles. He was a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy and the only defensive player on the ballot. Adkins shares Viking career records for sacks in a game (3) and for a season (8). Tony and his wife, Julie, are the parents of Nicholas, Lauren and Andrew. The family lives in Highlands Ranch, Colo. Tony is the president of Adkins Motivation based in Denver, Colo.

One of the most decorated athletes in Augustana history, MATT KIESOW gained All-America recognition eight times in track and cross country. He holds three individual school records including indoor marks for 1,000 meters (2:25.41) and 1,500 meters (3:48.68). In 1992 he was the Division II national indoor 1,500-meter champion. He is a member of Augie's 3,200-meter relay team that set the indoor mark of 7:38.24. In 1991 he set the outdoor record for 1,500 meters with a time of 3:48.10. He was the leader on the Vikings' 1991 cross country team that won the school's first North Central Conference and region championships. Among his numerous career highlights was winning the Wes Santee 1,500 at the Kansas Relays in 1991 and 1992. Matt is teaching and coaching at Sioux Falls Washington High School. He and his wife, Nancy Stout '96, are the parents of Riley.

Crouched behind the plate, KATHY “K.K.” ORSTAD JOHNSON deftly orchestrated the defensive strategy for Augie's softball teams. She was there when the Vikings won the NCAA Division II national championship in 1991. A two-time selection to the All-North Central Conference team, Kathy earned a spot on the13-member NCAA Division II 1991 all-tournament team. In addition to her ability as a catcher, Orstad was a threat when she stepped to the plate. She set the school record for doubles in a season (14), is third in hits in a season (79), and fourth for most RBIs in a season (41). Kathy graduated cum laude and three times was named to the NCC all-academic team. She has worked for the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society for 10 years and lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, Carl Johnson '93, and their children, Tyler and Cole.

BRETT SZABO was an imposing figure on the basketball court. At 6-foot-9 and equipped with a massive wingspan, he gave new meaning to the word outreach. He holds the school record for blocked shots in a career (185), is eighth in scoring (1,520 points), and sixth in rebounds (802). Brett played a major role as the Vikings won the North Central Conference championship in 1989. He was selected to the all-conference team in 1989 and repeated in 1990. After his collegiate career, Brett played professional basketball for nine years in Australia, Europe, the Continental Basketball Association and the National Basketball Association. Brett and his wife, Stacy, live in Yankton, S.D., with their children, Anezka and Alexander. He is working at First National Bank and completing a business degree at Mount Marty College.

Longtime followers of Augustana athletics say PAUL LIMBURG was one of the college's smartest players. In addition to his academic gifts, Limburg was a talented athlete. He was the baseball team's starting catcher for four seasons, earned All-North Central Conference honors, and in 1987 was declared winner of the Stan Marshall Award as the NCC's top male athlete. Additional honors include Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Honor Athlete and selection to the Academic All-America team in 1986 and 1987. Graduating with suma cum laude distinction, Limburg was awarded an NCAA post graduate scholarship. Dr. Limburg is an assistant professor at Mayo Medical School, where he studied medicine. He and his wife, Cora, live in Rochester, Minn., with their son, Benjamin.

Versatility was RICH RISNER'S forte as an Augustana football player in the 1950s. Lack of depth played a part as the 1953 Vikings won just once in nine starts. Twenty-seven players reported for drills that fall and they went five games without scoring. But Risner stood out and was named to the All-North Central Conference team. Rich was cited by the NCC for his play as the Vikings' center, but during his collegiate career he also saw action at linebacker and at halfback. Risner served 25 years with the Marines, retiring in 1975 with the rank of Major. During his tour he served in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. His military honors include the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with combat V, Purple Heart with Gold Star, Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medals, and POW Medal. Rich and his wife, Lynda, live in Temecula, Calif. They have four daughters, three sons, and three grandchildren.