Contact: Brad Heegel, Director of College Relations
Phone: (605) 351-3602
Fax: (605) 274-4903
www.augie.edu

December 3, 2004

Salem Succeeds Heinitz as Head Football Coach

SIOUX FALLS - Jim Heinitz, the winningest coach in Augustana football history, resigned today to become the Director of Development. Brad Salem, who graduated from Augustana in 1993 and served as the Vikings' offensive coordinator this season, was named head coach.

Heinitz, who will begin his new duties in January, said his decision to step down as head football coach had nothing to do with the team's 8-3 record in 2004. "My intent was to come back as head coach," he said. "However, over the last 10 days an opportunity arose at the college that allowed me to stay. I just felt this is something that I would enjoy doing and it allowed me to stay here. I felt the time was right."

As for the future of Augustana football, Salem said he is grateful to be following in Heinitz's footsteps. "I am thankful for this opportunity to be at Augustana College," Salem said. "It's a special place to be. It also means a lot to take over for someone like Coach Heinitz, someone who has had such an impact on my life, not only as a player, but as a coach as well."

Heinitz compiled an 82-102-1 record in 17 seasons as Augie's head coach. He was named the North Central Conference coach of the year in 1988 and again in 1992. He was also selected as the Kodak College Coach of the Year in Region Four those same years. The South Dakota Sportswriters Association named him Men's College Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1992.

For more details go to www.GoAugie.com