Haak's journey from crutches to all-conference competitor

It was his first race as a Viking. Classes hadn’t even started. That’s when it happened.

Long-distance runner August Haak ’27 suffered a femoral stress fracture in his left leg. He had trained relentlessly during the summer, which may have left him at risk for the debilitating injury.

His first semester on campus was “rough” to say the least and pushed him in ways he hadn’t expected. Traversing a hilly campus on two crutches plus dealing with a concussion was exhausting, mentally and physically. This was not how he assumed his college experience would look like. He felt isolated and considered leaving.

“The challenges August faced that first semester provided plenty of opportunity to off-ramp, and in many cases that’s the likely outcome,” said Chad “Gunny” Gunnelson, director of track & field/cross country.

But Haak stuck it out. By J-term and his second semester, his life was slowly beginning to turn around. Rehab was going well, he was getting to know his teammates, and in the spring of that daunting first year, he walked into Gunnelson’s office with an idea.

“I had done a lot of rock climbing and had a lot of skills so in addition to running cross country, I asked if I could do the 10-event decathlon,” said Haak, of Grayslake, Ill., who during high school worked at a gym where "American Ninja Warrior" competitors train. “Gunny was all for it. He was super supportive.”

Haak’s first year on campus tested his limits; his second revealed his potential. He routinely ran PRs in his first cross-country races and grew closer with his teammates, whom he now considers family. With the help of his mentor, 2024 CCIW decathlon champion Mike Hudson ’25, Haak developed into an all-conference competitor in his first heptathlon and decathlon season with the Vikings.

“Through the struggles he gained strength and showed resilience, role-modeling what it takes to thrive as a competitor and a leader,” Gunnelson said. “August brings a work ethic and a level of empathy that make him stand apart. I’m proud to be his coach and so glad he’s at Augie.”

A champion of time management, Haak’s schedule these days includes not only classes and training but also a 20-hour-a-week job as a paint line engineer for John Deere. He received the job offer after an internship with the global leader in manufacturing, which is headquartered in nearby Moline, Ill.

A mechanical engineering major and art minor, Haak has always loved being around machinery and thinking through repairs and improvements. While some of his high school friends went to large engineering schools, Haak chose Augustana because of his many interests besides engineering.

“I knew I would be able to do all the things I’m good at here,” he said. “You can’t do that at a bigger school. I can go into a music room at Bergendoff and play the piano, and I can go into the art studio and work on my ceramics. And I already have a job that I love. I’m very happy to be here.”