St. Thomas football plans to host Augsburg University for the teams’ first official game since the MIAC announced their approval for football teams to play up to four conference games or scrimmages in the 2021 spring season.

This shortened spring season is a make-up for the Tommies 2020 fall season that was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.

“The Augsburg game allows Coach Glenn Caruso and his team a chance to celebrate a Senior Day and also get some game experience for so many younger players after being away from competition for nearly 17 months,” St. Thomas sports information director Gene McGivern said.

The Tommies faced Division II Concordia in a scrimmage at home on March 27.

St. Thomas will host Augsburg University on Saturday, April 17 at 1:10 p.m., ending a dry competition streak since 2019 when the Tommies defeated Bethel in the conference championship.

Other MIAC schools are determining their gameplay based on COVID-19 protocols and safety concerns.

“The different universities and colleges in the MIAC are trying their best to make decisions that are in their best interest for their student-athletes and their institutions and campus,” said St. Thomas athletic director Phil Esten in a statement to WCCO. “For us, we are just trying to play as many games as we can to give our student-athletes an opportunity to compete.”

No announcement has been made regarding spectators, but the protocols will be made public prior to the Tommies’ April home game, including streaming from Tommie Sports Network.

The Tommies will enter the Pioneer Football League, a Division I FCS conference next season, marking an end to MIAC and Division III competition.

Olivia Paradise can be reached at para4336@stthomas.edu.