SEWARD, Neb. – The 2023 Cattle Classic raised the bar for the annual event, which supports the Blue Valley Community Action Food Pantry and other food pantries in the Seward community. This year’s Cattle Classic basketball weekend raised 13,488 cans of food and $2,985 in cash. Both figures are new standards for the Cattle Classic in the 24 years of the event’s existence. The Cattle Classic is co-sponsored by Concordia University, Nebraska and Cattle Bank & Trust.
Since its inception in 2000, the Cattle Classic has raised a total of 143,436 canned food items and $39,131 in cash donations. All proceeds are donated to local food pantries, including Christ’s Cupboard and Seward FoodNet. The event serves as the largest single fundraiser for the Blue Valley Food Pantry. Pac N Save of Seward matches all canned food donations.
On the court, the Bulldog Basketball teams both enjoyed 2-0 weekends at the Cattle Classic. Head Coach Drew Olson’s women’s squad defeated Sterling College, 95-70, and No. 5 Marian University (Ind.), 75-62. Meanwhile, Head Coach Ben Limback’s men’s team defeated Mayville State University (N.D.), 88-73, and No. 19 William Penn University (Iowa), 103-74. Eight basketball games were held over the two-day (Nov. 3-4) event.
2023 All-Cattle Classic Teams
WOMEN
Kendal Brigham, Concordia
Korynn Clason, Sterling
Kinnidy Garrard, Marian
Taysha Rushton, Concordia
Angela Slattery, Dakota State
MEN
Thomas Gieske, Mayville State
Noah Schutte, Concordia
Tristan Smith, Concordia
Shug Sneed, William Penn
Reggie Thomas, Hastings