Day one: Elite Eight Championship Reception

The team had a short time to get situated in the hotel after our arrival in Frisco before loading the bus back up to head to the Elite Eight Opening Reception. The reception was held at the Main Event (think Dave and Busters) in Frisco. As teams arrived to the Main Event, they were announced one-by-one upon entering the building.

Augustana and Western Oregon are here! #NCAAD2 #Elite8 #Frisco pic.twitter.com/SdNmhyAxSI

— NCAA Division II (@NCAADII) March 21, 2016

We were treated to a Texas Barbecue buffet that was highlighted by smoked ribs, brisket, chicken and smoked sausage. After enjoying the meal teams were able to spend some time in the arcade before the main event got underway. The event featured a friendly circuit of games that pit the eight teams against one another in arcade free throw shooting, billiards, and bowling.

We let the seniors decide who would participate in each event. Only the top four teams from free throw shooting moved on to billiards, and the two remaining top teams from billiards went head-to-head in bowling. Casey Schilling and Tanner Odegaard led the Vikings to a first-place finish after the free throw shooting portion.

A video posted by Augustana University Vikings (@goaugie) on Mar 21, 2016 at 5:22pm PDT

Jordan Spencer, Matt Brazendale and Steven Schaefer put the Vikings into the final with a win on the pool tables

A video posted by Augustana University Vikings (@goaugie) on Mar 21, 2016 at 5:44pm PDT

Zach Huisken, John Warren, Ben Weisbeck, Austin Saugstad and Dan Jansen sealed the victory over Tarleton State in Bowling to take home the Great Texas BBQ Bowl Championship Trophy.

.@AugieMensBball is your @NCAADII #Elite8 Great Texas BBQ Bowl Champions at the pre-tournament banquet #AugieMadness pic.twitter.com/M7B2SQpDq2

— Augustana Vikings (@GoAugie) March 22, 2016

The boys have an early morning on Tuesday and will start the day with community outreach visiting a local elementary school. The pre-tournament coaches press conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. (look for coverage on GoAugie.com) and the team will have practice at Dr Pepper Arena from 4-4:55 p.m.

Thanks for reading and check back tomorrow for more updates from a busy day. We'll also have updates throughout the day on Twitter (@EvansT99 and @GoAugie)

Go Vikings!