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S outh Dakota isn't necessarily known for its ice activities. It's a state that boasts some of the best national parks and most iconic historical monu- ments in the country. Nicknamed "The Land of Infinite Variety", why not include hockey in the South Dakota repertoire? Enter Augustana University's Division I men's hockey program and its newly built home at Midco Arena in Sioux Falls. "We recognize that South Dakota might not be top of mind in the Midwest when it comes to hockey," explained Augustana Vice President of Athletics Josh Morton. "But being the first col- legiate hockey program in the state, it's something we take very seriously. We live in a dynamic, economically strong community that continues to grow. "We feel we have created something that people can latch on to." Moving On Up Augustana University is South Dakota's largest private university with more than 50 major fields of study and roughly 2,080 students. But with Sioux Falls itself being such an engine for the state, Augustana had a vision to capitalize on the city's potential. The university wanted to help fuel the socioeconomic growth with a pursuit of NCA A Division I athletics. Competing in NCA A Division II's Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference for its men's and women's athletics, the discussion to add a D-I hockey program began in 2018, with the formal announcement of approval in October 2021. A Midco Arena groundbreaking cer- emony punctuated the news. "There was a ton of excitement from the beginning, not just for the men's hockey program," explained Morton. "The excitement ran deeper than that, both on campus and throughout the community of Sioux Falls." The $75 million, 154,000 square-foot facility houses one NHL-sized sheet for the Vikings program, with one home team suite alongside four general locker rooms and a suite for the Augustana 20 / MARCH.APRIL.2024 USICERINKS.COM PHOTOS: AUGUSTANA ATHLETICS Featured Rink Midco Arena | | Sioux Falls, S.D. Augustana opens the gates to Midco Arena in Sioux Falls QUEST Viking by JESSI PIERCE