The Vienna Vikings are an American football team based in Vienna, Austria. They play in the Austrian Football League, which is the top level of American football in Austria. The Vikings have been one of the most successful teams in the league, having won 7 championships since starting play in 1983. Their current head coach is Chris Calaycay.
The owner of the Vienna Vikings is Thomas Schaden. Schaden purchased the team in 2012 from Mike Humpal and Michael Ranzenberger. Under Schaden’s ownership, the Vikings have continued their tradition of success, winning 3 league championships in 2013, 2015, and 2016.
Thomas Schaden’s Background
Thomas Schaden was born in Vienna in 1967. He comes from a wealthy family that owned real estate and other businesses in Austria. Schaden became involved with American football in Vienna in the 1980s. He played on some of the earliest American football teams in Vienna along with his brother Patrick Schaden.
After finishing his playing career, Thomas Schaden stayed involved as a coach and administrator. By the 2000s, he had become one of the main financial backers of the Vienna Vikings team. So when the opportunity came up to purchase the Vikings in 2012, it was a natural fit for Schaden given his long history with the team.
Reasons Schaden Purchased the Vikings
There are several reasons why Thomas Schaden likely decided to purchase the Vienna Vikings club:
- His longstanding personal passion for American football in Vienna. Having played on early Vienna teams and coached, Schaden wanted to see the sport continue to grow.
- The Vikings had been the most consistently successful club in the Austrian league, winning 5 championships between 1998 and 2011. Schaden saw an opportunity to take over a proven winner.
- Owning the Vikings raised Schaden’s profile as an important figure in Austrian sports. It also fit with his other sports investments like the Vienna Capitals ice hockey team.
- Schaden had the resources to provide stable financing for the team, ensuring it could recruit talent and have first-class facilities.
Changes and Investment Under Schaden
When Thomas Schaden took over as owner in 2012, he sought to modernize and professionalize the Vienna Vikings organization. Some of his key investments and changes included:
- Hiring Chris Calaycay as the new head coach. Calaycay had extensive experience coaching college and professional football in the United States.
- Upgrading team facilities at the Vikings’ home field in Vienna. He financed new locker rooms, equipment, and other amenities.
- Increasing the Vikings’ budget for travel, training resources, and player compensation.
- Expanding the team’s youth programs to develop young Austrian talent and grow the game.
- Growing the Vikings’ fan support through improved gameday experience and marketing.
On-Field Success
The increased investment and professionalization under Thomas Schaden has paid off with more on-field success for the Vienna Vikings:
- 2013 Austrian Bowl champions
- 2015 Austrian Bowl champions
- 2016 Austrian Bowl champions
- Quarterfinalists in the 2012 and 2017 Eurobowls (continental championship)
- Back-to-back perfect regular seasons in 2015 and 2016 without losing a game.
Clearly, the Vikings have continued to uphold their tradition of excellence under Schaden’s ownership. They have emerged as one of the elite teams in European American football.
Off-Field Development
Off the field, Thomas Schaden has focused on growing American football in Austria by investing in youth:
- The Vikings founded a junior team in 2013 that competes in the Austrian junior league and develops young talent.
- They expanded their flag football offerings for boys and girls to get more Austrian kids engaged with the sport.
- In 2015, the Vikings launched an academy for high school students to train and gain exposure to American football while receiving academic tutoring and mentoring.
These efforts have helped expand the pool of young Austrian players and set up the Vikings for sustained success. More Austrian kids are now playing the sport than ever before.
Vikings in the Community
The Vienna Vikings engage in many community initiatives under Thomas Schaden:
- Youth football camps and coaching clinics to teach kids American football.
- Partnerships with schools and youth centers to promote healthy lifestyles and exercise.
- Collaboration with American Football Verband Austria to grow the sport nationwide.
- Visiting hospitals and social organizations to engage with fans and do charity work.
Being a strong community asset is important to Schaden’s vision for the Vikings. He wants the team to represent the best values of American football – teamwork, perseverance, community.
Future Outlook
The future looks bright for the Vienna Vikings under Thomas Schaden’s leadership. Some upcoming initiatives and goals:
- Establishing new partnerships with businesses and brands for sponsorship and growth.
- Continuing to develop top Austrian talent through youth programs and academy.
- Upgrading facilities with new clubhouse, store, and improved stadium amenities.
- Winning more Austrian Bowl and Eurobowl titles.
- Qualifying for an IFAF European Champions League once established.
Thomas Schaden’s support has given the Vienna Vikings stability for the long-term. He has reinforced the club’s stature as the premier American football team in Austria. With his continued investment and innovation, the Vikings are poised to achieve even greater success in the coming years under his ownership.
Conclusion
Thomas Schaden has proven to be an excellent owner for the Vienna Vikings since purchasing the club in 2012. His business acumen and longstanding passion for American football in Austria have reinvigorated the Vikings. The team has enjoyed both on-field and off-field success under Schaden’s leadership. He has made strategic upgrades to their facilities, coaching, youth programs, and more. This has translated into 3 more Austrian Bowl championships and growth of the game nationally. Schaden has solidified the Vienna Vikings’ status as the model American football club in Austria. Their future remains bright with him at the helm as owner.