Approximately 70 members of the Augustana community gathered outside the Roy J. Carver Center to support the men’s basketball team leaving for the Final Four in Salem, Va., Wednesday morning.
Head Coach Grey Giovanine greeted the community, joking with members of the football team by asking them if their coach made them come since a majority of the team was present.

On top of the stairs leading into Carver, which held a sign that said “Go Vikings! Bound for National Championship 2015 #auigehoops,” Giovanine thanked the community and the college for all the support, saying that the team couldn’t have made it this far without the Augustana community. He joked that the team “will have to play with more enthusiasm than that,” when he finished his speech.
Giovanine then introduced President Steven Bahls, who said this will be Augustana’s fifth time going to the Final Four.
“It’s our turn,” said Bahls. “Go Vikings.”
Before departing, Bahls and Giovanine embraced, and Bahls told Giovanine “thanks a lot, and good luck. We’re proud of you, Grey.”
The Vikings face Babson College on Friday at 5:30 p.m in Salem.