Bulldog Athletic Association Member (BAAM) Athletes of the Week
Female: Keegan Beisel, Cross Country
A Seward High School alum, Beisel placed ninth at the GPAC Championships while finishing the 6k race in 23:47.44. As a result of that performance, Beisel was named a GPAC All-Conference award winner and qualified to compete at the NAIA national meet.
Male: Vaughn Hendrickson, Cross Country
A freshman from Fort Wayne, Ind., Hendrickson became the program’s first individual GPAC champion since 2012. He outran the conference competition in Ashland, Neb., with an 8k time of 25:44.09. Hendrickson will advance to compete at the NAIA national meet.
2024-25 BAAM Athletes of the Month
September – Mark Arp (football) / Gabi Nordaker (volleyball)
2024-25 BAAM Athletes of the Week
Nov. 5 – Angela Banks (soccer) / Austin Jablonski (football)
Oct. 29 – Kierstynn Garner (soccer) / Devin Harris (shooting sports)
Oct. 22 – Taylor Hedke (weightlifting) / Austin Jablonski (football)
Oct. 15 – Kierstynn Garner (soccer) / Hugo Garrote (soccer)
Oct. 8 – Carson Fehlhafer (football) / Kaylee Hinton (shooting sports)
Oct. 1 – Carter McKenna (shooting sports) / Kya Scott (volleyball)
Sept. 24 – Ishane Derman (tennis) / Daylon Henson (football)
Sept. 17 – Mark Arp (football) / Ella Waters (volleyball)
Sept. 10 – Hannah Beintema (cross country); Trey Robertson (cross country)
Sept. 3 – Nolan Fuelberth (soccer); Gabi Nordaker (volleyball)
Aug. 27 – Martin Herrera (soccer); Ashley Keck (volleyball)
News and notes:
BAAM luncheons are held every Tuesday at 12 p.m. CT inside the Dog House Grill, located in the Janzow Campus Center. The luncheons feature reports from head coaches who are in season at the time. For information on how to join BAAM, click HERE. It is not a requirement to be a BAAM member in order to attend the weekly luncheons.
NAIA fall sport championship selection shows: Selection shows for the fall sports are set to take place over the next week. The schedule for those shows can be found below. They will be aired live via the NAIA’s official YouTube page. Cross country national qualifiers were announced on Monday.
--Women’s Soccer – Saturday, Nov. 16, 1 p.m.
--Men’s Soccer – Saturday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m.
--Football – Sunday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m.
--Volleyball – Monday, Nov. 18, 12 p.m.
Mr. Concordia Courtney Meyer’s legacy of loving Jesus, family and Bulldog Football: The Concordia Football program celebrated Coach Courtney Meyer this past Saturday when it hosted Mount Marty. Coach Meyer will retire from coaching football, effective at the conclusion of this 2024 season. Meyer spent 19 seasons as the head football coach before working on the staffs of Vance Winter and Patrick Daberkow. For a detailed look at Meyer’s journey and everlasting legacy, click HERE.
Fall ball updates on baseball, softball programs: The beginning portion of the fall semester is used by the Concordia Baseball and Softball programs to prepare for their official seasons in the spring. Head Coaches Ryan Dupic and Brock Culler both have high expectations for their programs. The baseball team is coming off another GPAC championship season while the softball team vaulted up to third in the final 2024 league standings. For an update on both programs, check out the articles linked below.
--Baseball Fall Update
--Softball Fall Update
GPAC launches streaming network: Back in July, the Great Plains Athletic Conference announced a streaming network designed to bring webcasts from all league members together in one place. The GPAC Network can be accessed online via: https://www.gpacnetwork.com/. The network is also available via a mobile app and smart TVs. The GPAC partnered with Hudl for the creation of the network. In addition to the events that stream on the Concordia Sports Network, 104.9 Max Country will broadcast football and volleyball varsity games this fall. The broadcast schedule can be found HERE.
Bulldog Coaches Show airs every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. CT: The Bulldog Coaches Show is underway in its 10th year of existence. The show airs live for a half hour every Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT on KTMX-FM 104.9 Max Country. The weekly feature can also be heard live via 104.9 Max Country’s website or by downloading the Max Country app. Throughout the 2024-25 season, Bulldog football, men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball contests will be aired live on Max Country. Parker Cyza serves as the host of the coaches’ show as well as the play-by-play voice for football and basketball. Frank Greene is in his 10th season calling Concordia volleyball.
Concordia Sports Network: Live webcasts for most home varsity contests can be accessed by visiting https://www.cune.edu/athletics/watch-bulldogs at game time. Beginning this 2023-24 academic year, Concordia Athletics began a partnership with Hudl for live video streaming. Live webcast links for away contests are publicized in sport specific releases that preview action for that particular week. Scrimmages, exhibitions and junior varsity events are not broadcasted.
Cross Country
· Last week:
o Men – placed 3rd/11 at the 2024 GPAC Championships on Nov. 9.
o Women – placed 4th/12 at the 2024 GPAC Championships on Nov. 9.
· Links: 2024 Schedule | Roster
· Notable: The 2024 GPAC Cross Country Championships unfolded on Nov. 9 and saw Head Coach Matt Beisel’s squads place third on the men’s side and fourth on the women’s side. In thrilling performances, freshman Vaughn Hendrickson and sophomore Trey Robertson placed 1-2 in the GPAC. Hendrickson won the GPAC title with an 8k time of 25:44.09 at Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Neb. Robertson followed in 25:51.70. On the women’s side, Keegan Beisel placed ninth with a 6k time of 23:47.44. Beisel, Hendrickson and Robertson each earned GPAC All-Conference medals for their efforts. Hendrickson is the men’s program’s first GPAC champion since Collin Morrissey in 2012. As a program, the men have placed in the top three of the GPAC in three-straight years and the women have placed top four six times during Beisel’s tenure. As announced by the NAIA on Monday, Beisel, Hendrickson and Robertson have all earned individual bids to the NAIA national meet. The men had hoped to be selected as a team at-large qualifier but were not chosen, based on the final NAIA top 25 rating. The team’s three qualifiers will compete at the 2024 NAIA Cross Country National Championships in Columbia, Mo., on Nov. 22. Beisel will make her third career appearance at cross country nationals.
· For additional news and notes on the Concordia Cross Country teams, click HERE.
· Up next:
o 2024 NAIA Cross Country National Championships – Friday, Nov. 22 at Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Mo.
Men’s Soccer
· Current record: 8-2-9, 6-0-4 GPAC (2nd).
· Last week:
o Tied vs. Briar Cliff, 1-1 (2 OT), on Nov. 5; CUNE advanced on PK’s, 5-4 (GPAC Quarterfinals).
o Won vs. Northwestern, 3-2, on Nov. 9 (GPAC Semifinals).
· Links: 2024 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: The Bulldogs have advanced to the GPAC tournament championship game for the fifth time in program history. All of those appearances have come during Head Coach Jason Weides’ tenure. It wasn’t easy in either the quarterfinals or the semifinals last week, but Concordia managed to get the job done. It went to a PK shootout versus Briar Cliff and the Bulldogs ultimately clinched it during the sixth round of PK’s when Spencer Kaufman converted for Concordia and Flynn Kopp of Briar Cliff drilled the crossbar. Four days later, the Bulldogs relinquished a 2-0 lead to Northwestern before quickly responding with a goal from Martin Herrera that proved to be the game winner. In the matchup with Briar Cliff, the Bulldogs found the equalizer from Ferdi Hagen in the 75th minute. Other goal scorers versus Northwestern were Sean Stratman and Ryan Wokutch. Due to fifth-seeded Hastings upsetting top seed Morningside in the other semifinal, Concordia will host the GPAC final on Wednesday. The occasion will mark the first time the Bulldogs have ever hosted the championship game. The program celebrated GPAC tournament championships at Hastings in both 2015 and 2022. Through 19 games this season, Concordia has tallied 44 goals and has allowed only 15. The GPAC’s lone automatic bid to the national tournament will be up for grabs Wednesday night inside Bulldog Stadium.
· For a closer look at this week’s matchups, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· This week:
o GPAC Championship – Wednesday, Nov. 13 vs. Hastings (10-7-2, 6-2-2 GPAC), 7 p.m.
o Saturday, Nov. 16 – NAIA National Championships Selection Show, 2 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
· Current record: 13-5-1, 7-3 GPAC.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Dordt, 1-0, on Nov. 7 (GPAC Semifinals).
· Links: 2024 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: Head Coach Nick Smith’s squad is preparing to play in the GPAC tournament title game tonight (Nov. 12) at 7 p.m. Concordia’s path to the championship game has included postseason home wins over College of Saint Mary, 3-0, and Dordt, 1-0. In last week’s clash with the Defenders, the Bulldogs avenged a regular season defeat while getting the lone goal from superstar Kierstynn Garner (31st minute). Goalkeeper Angela Banks and company earned the shutout while limiting Dordt to seven shots (three on goal). As a result, Concordia will be headed to the GPAC final for the seventh time in program history (first time since the 2020 campaign). GPAC postseason titles occurred in 2014, 2016 and 2020. The current team has extended its program record winning streak to 10. Over the course of that streak, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents by a combined total of 36-3. Regardless of the outcome in the championship game, Concordia will qualify for the NAIA national tournament with one of the GPAC’s two automatic bids. The program has previously qualified for the national tournament three times (each year it won the GPAC tournament). With 13 wins overall this season, the Bulldogs have tied for the fifth highest win total in a single season in program history. In the GPAC final, Concordia will look to avenge another regular season loss while playing at conference regular season champion Hastings. Official NAIA national tournament qualifiers will be announced at 1 p.m. CT on Saturday.
· For additional news and notes, check out the program’s homepage HERE.
· This week:
o GPAC Championship – Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Hastings (14-1-5, 8-0-3 GPAC), 7 p.m.
o Saturday, Nov. 16 – NAIA national tournament selection show, 1 p.m.
Volleyball
· Current record: 23-2, 14-1 GPAC; ranked No. 2 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won at No. 22 Midland, 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19, on Nov. 5.
o Won vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 25-23, 25-13, 25-19, on Nov. 9 (GPAC Quarterfinals).
· Links: 2024 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: Head Coach Ben Boldt has led the Bulldogs to the GPAC semifinals for the sixth-straight year. Second-ranked Concordia began last week by closing the regular season with a four-set win at No. 22 Midland. At 15-1 in GPAC regular season play, the Bulldogs garnered the No. 2 seed (Northwestern earned the No. 1 seed at 16-0). In the quarterfinals of the GPAC tournament, Concordia cruised past Dakota Wesleyan in straight sets while getting 10 kills apiece from Ella Waters and Kya Scott. With the victory, the Bulldogs improved to 10-1 at home this season. They also went a spotless 8-0 in GPAC road matches (best conference road mark in program history). As part of the 2-0 week, Ashley Keck (team high 301 kills on the season) contributed across the board with 24 kills, 39 digs and six blocks. Scott was right behind her in the kills category with 22. Concordia now preps for another matchup with the Warriors, whom it will meet inside Friedrich Arena in the GPAC semifinals. The winner will advance to play in the championship against either top seed Northwestern or fifth-seeded Hastings on Saturday. The Bulldogs are seeking the program’s first-ever GPAC postseason title after finishing as the runner up in each of the past three years. No matter the results this week, Concordia is a lock to be included in the national tournament field. The NAIA will hold a national tournament selection show for women’s volleyball at 12 p.m. CT on Monday, Nov. 18.
· For additional news and notes on Concordia Volleyball, check out the team’s homepage HERE.
· This week:
o GPAC Semifinals – Wednesday, Nov. 13 vs. No. 22 Midland (17-10, 12-4 GPAC), 7 p.m.
o GPAC Championship – Saturday, Nov. 16 (if win on Wednesday), time TBA.
Football
· Current record: 7-2, 7-2 GPAC; No. 20 in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Most recent:
o Won vs. Hastings, 42-6, on Nov. 2; bye on Nov. 9.
· Links: 2024 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The record moved to 7-2 as the Bulldogs manhandled Hastings, 42-6, on senior day (Nov. 2). Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad had this past week off in what marked its second bye of the 2024 season. Following the win over Hastings, the Bulldogs jumped to No. 23 in the NAIA coaches’ poll. Concordia will attempt to finish the regular season at 8-2 by earning a win at Midland on Saturday. Should the Bulldogs get to 8-2, they will have stated a strong case to be included in the NAIA Football Championship Series. Pairings will be announced by the NAIA on Sunday night. The season profile for Concordia has been bolstered by its win at No. 2 Northwestern and strong overall strength of schedule as a GPAC member. Heading into the final game of the regular season, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents by a combined total of 340-171. The offensive numbers have been impressive with DJ McGarvie having thrown for 2,199 yards and 26 touchdowns, Mark Arp having run for 1,098 yards and 11 touchdowns and Austin Jablonski having pulled in 70 receptions for 1,010 yards and nine touchdowns. Linebacker Grant Huss paces the defense with 77 tackles. In heading to Fremont on Saturday, Concordia seeks to avenge last season’s 39-37 double overtime loss at the hands of the Warriors.
· For details on upcoming matchups, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 16 at Midland (6-4, 5-4 GPAC), 1 p.m.
o Sunday, Nov. 17 – NAIA national playoff selection show, 6 p.m.
Wrestling
· Current dual record: 1-0, 1-0 GPAC.
· Last week:
o Won at Midland, 36-6, on Nov. 6.
o 14 competitors represented the program at the Dakota Wesleyan University Open on Saturday, Nov. 9.
· Links: 2024-25 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA National Rankings
· Notable: The Bulldogs competed twice last week while opening up the GPAC dual season. Concordia won seven of the nine contested matches in the dual at Midland on Nov. 6. The Bulldog winners were Aidan Trowbridge (forfeit at 133), Bryce Karlin (pin at 141), Steven Barnes (major decision at 149), Francisco Mendez (decision at 157), Tommy Wentz (technical fall at 165), Barret Brandt (pin at 174) and Hunter Weimer (pin at 184). Three days later, Head Coach Josh Watts took a group of 14 Bulldogs to the Dakota Wesleyan Open. The yields included 22 combined victories and a fourth-place finish by Cole Price in the 165-pound bracket. While making his Concordia debut, Price won five matches, including one by pin. At heavyweight, Mason Garcia notched three wins. In addition to Garcia and Price, five Bulldog competitors won multiple matches: Grant Wells (3-2 at 133), Brent Ward (2-2 at 165), Garret Moser (2-2 at 184), Calvin Gross (2-2 at 197) and Teegan Tschampel (2-2 at 197). So far this season, Concordia has competed in two tournaments and one dual. Karlin has been particularly impressive having gone 4-0 with four pins. The Bulldogs still have yet to unveil their complete lineup with their top wrestlers in each weight class. Concordia will have this week off from competition will preparing to return to action on Nov. 22 with a dual at Hastings.
· For additional news and notes on the wrestling program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Idle; will return to action on Nov. 22 with a dual at Hastings.
Men’s Basketball
· Current record: 3-0; ranked 11th in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Bethel (Kan.), 89-79, on Nov. 9.
· Links: 2024-25 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The nonconference slate continued this past weekend as the Bulldogs welcomed Bethel College (Kan.) to Friedrich Arena. The result was an 89-79 victory for a Concordia team that stands at 3-0 with three home wins. Three Bulldogs reached double figures in scoring: Noah Schutte (20), Tristan Smith (14) and Bradley Bennett (11). Concordia shot 56.6 percent (30-for-53) rom the floor but allowed the Threshers to stay in the game due to suspect free throw shooting (21-for-35). Bethel (4-2) opened this season at 4-0 and appears to be a team capable of contending for a national tournament berth. Through the first three games, Schutte leads the team in scoring at 17.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Smith is averaging 12.7 points and Bennett sports a scoring average of 10.3. Head Coach Ben Limback’s squad is one of four within the GPAC that has yet to lose in the early going of the 2024-25 season. Next up, Concordia will host Morningside (4-0) on Saturday in the tipoff to league play. The Mustangs reached the NAIA final site (Kansas City) in last season’s national tournament.
· For additional news and notes on the men’s basketball program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 16 vs. Morningside (4-0), 3:45 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
· Current record: 2-1; ranked 5th in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won at No. 6 Dakota State, 64-54, on Nov. 9.
· Links: 2024-25 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: In the lone official outing of last week, Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad picked up a signature nonconference road victory in Madison, S.D. The fifth-ranked Bulldogs responded to a third quarter run by Dakota State and knocked off the sixth-ranked Trojans, 64-54, over the weekend. It was a grinder of an affair that featured two teams that employ full-court pressure (combined 38 turnovers). It took the contributions of many for Concordia to get the job done. Megan Belt led the way in scoring with 12 points on four 3-point field goals. Juliana Jones added 10 points, Abby Krieser posted eight points, Abby Heemstra chipped in seven points and eight rebounds and point guard Kendal Brigham dished out seven assists. The Bulldogs went 10-for-19 from 3-point range and held Dakota State to 39.6 percent shooting overall. Concordia stands at 2-1 heading into the start of GPAC play on Saturday. The Bulldogs will welcome Morningside to Friedrich Arena for a 2 p.m. tipoff. Olson and the Mustangs’ Jamie Sale are the two longest tenured head coaches in GPAC women’s basketball.
· For additional news and notes on the women’s basketball program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 16 vs. Morningside (2-1), 2 p.m.