August Norgaard

August “Augie” Norgaard epitomized what it meant to be a successful student-athlete. He excelled in the“Big Three” (football, basketball, baseball) and was recognized by earning multiple “All-State”, “All-League,” and team awards. He was awarded a Cowapa League “Scholar Athlete” selection from his sophomore through senior years, and the “All-State Scholar Athlete” award in all three sports during his senior year. Off the field, Augie was a fixture in the high school band and a member of good standing in the National Honor Society. 

On the gridiron of John Warren Field, Augie competed as a wide receiver, safety, and running back. He garnered two “All-League” honors during his junior and senior seasons, and an “All-State Honorable Mention” recognition as a wide receiver during his junior year. His senior season was also highlighted with a team captain selection by his teammates; this honor would be repeated during his basketball and baseball seasons.

The winters months brought Augie to the hardwood where his basketball career was defined by his shooting prowess and team success. He and his cager teammates had an amazing run during his time at Astoria High School. Over a three-year span, the Fishermen had an overall Cowapa League record of 40-2, and did not lose a league home game in “The Brickhouse.” The Fishermen accumulated three Cowapa League Championships, including two Co-Championships. Augie’s sophomore season was capped by the team’s fifth place finish at state. The Fishermen sadly missed out on placing at state during his junior year but rebounded with hard fought games to secure a seventh placing to closeout his final campaign. He was recognized for his state performance with a “Second Team All-Tournament” selection during his senior year. After the completion of both his junior and senior seasons, Augie was chosen by the Cowapa League coaches to their “All-League” team.

Augie took his talents to the Fishermen diamond in the spring where he played varsity baseball for three years and was quickly recognized as a force. From his sophomore to senior season, he earned Cowapa “All-League” selection. Twice he was voted by his teammates as their Most Valuable Player and was given the Most Inspirational Player at the conclusion of his senior year. 

Augie will also be remembered for a feat that is currently unmatched in Fishermen baseball history:  he hit two grand-slams in a single game! The game was a 21-20 slugfest over Rainier. The finale of Augie’s high school career was an invitation to play in two All-Star events. The first event was the Oregon North-South All-Star Series where he was able to not only able to showcase his talents, but Augie took home the M.V.P. award. A week later, Augie was one of three athletes from the 3A level selected to compete in an exhibition double-header which matched up Oregon and Washington State seniors. It was a wonderful honor since the event traditionally invited athletes from the 4A level (the highest level, at the time).

With all the experience, knowledge, and success gained during high school, Augie was able to represent the Fishermen legacy well when he took his talents to Linfield College in McMinnville. After playing basketball during his freshman year for the Wildcats, Augie shifted his focus to the baseball program, where he competed for three years. During his career, he collected an “All-Conference Honorable Mention” along with “Division III West Region Honorable Mention.” Augie’s senior season was highlighted by a batting average of .382, 12 HR, 38 RBI, and was selected by his teammates to be their season M.V.P. The 12 home runs, at the time, tied the single season record for the Wildcats. He is currently ranked 3rd all-time in the Linfield record book for “four baggers” in a season.

Augie makes his home in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Cori, and their four fantastic children. He is enjoying being a stay home father to his kids and coaching youth sports.