Bulldog Athletic Association Member (BAAM) Athletes of the Week
Male: Kyle Sterup, Football
A native of Osceola, Neb., Kyle Sterup registered five tackles for loss in the 55-26 win over Doane while pushing his season TFL total to an NAIA leading 19. Sterup also caught a pass for 16 yards on a fake field goal. Sterup has piled up 30.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons as a defensive end.
Female: Sara Huss, Volleyball
Huss, who hails from Fairbury, Neb., proved instrumental in the four-set win over No. 18 Midland in the regular season finale. Huss totaled four kills and a block in that victory, which clinched a share of the GPAC regular season title. The match ended with Huss collecting a block and a kill for the final two points.
2023-24 BAAM Athletes of the Month
September – Austin Jablonski (football) / Ashley Keck (volleyball)
Previous BAAM Athletes of the Week
Oct. 31 – Kierstynn Garner (soccer) / Michael Owens (soccer)
Oct. 24 – Rebecca Gebhardt (volleyball) / Julie McIntyre (cross country) / Michael Owens (soccer)
Oct. 17 – Kierstynn Garner (soccer) / DJ McGarvie (football)
Oct. 10 – Rylee Ladd (powerlifting) / Jack Nelson (shooting sports) / Camryn Opfer (volleyball) / D’Andre Williams (soccer)
Oct. 3 – Austin Jablonski (football) / Grace Soenksen (soccer)
Sept. 26 – Ashley Keck (volleyball) / Mason Ward (shooting sports)
Sept. 19 – Savannah Andrews (soccer) / Carter Hinman (soccer)
Sept. 12 – Katie Welker (shooting sports) / Devin Zeigler (football)
Sept. 5 – Bree Burtwistle (volleyball) / Carter Hinman (soccer)
Aug. 29 – Isaiah Shaddick (soccer) / Gabi Nordaker (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.
24th annual Cattle Classic breaks records: The 24th annual Cattle Classic unfolded this past Friday and Saturday inside Friedrich Arena. The event, co-sponsored by Concordia and Cattle Bank & Trust, raises money and food for the Blue Valley Community Action's Food Pantry. Pac N Save of Seward will match all canned food donations. Over 24 years, the Cattle Classic has raised 143,436 canned food items and $39,131 in cash donations. The 2023 event broke Cattle Classic records by raising 13,488 cans of food and $2,985 in cash. As an added bonus, the Bulldog men’s and women’s basketball teams both went 2-0 this past weekend.
Changes to GPAC membership: A major announcement came from the Great Plains Athletic Conference on Oct. 11 as the league revealed that the University of Jamestown’s GPAC membership will cease at the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year. Roughly three weeks earlier, the GPAC announced the addition of Waldorf University as a conference member, beginning with the 2024-25 academic year. In the current athletic year, Waldorf is an affiliate GPAC member in the sports of men’s and women’s soccer. Waldorf becomes the 13th GPAC member. For more details on Waldorf and the GPAC, click HERE.
Fukuhara shines as weightlifters resume season at Iowa Championships: In the second competition of the 2023-24 season for Concordia University Weightlifting, sophomore Evan Fukuhara made a major splash. The Sacramento, Calif., native put together a performance that ranks amongst the very best in the nation while in action at the Iowa Championships held on the campus of the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, on Nov. 4. Fukuhara was one of eight Bulldogs to represent the program and one of three in the navy and white to win titles at the event.Fukuhara joined the program beginning with the spring semester of 2023. He took home the 73kg title at the Iowa Championships with new personal bests in snatch (120kg), clean and jerk (150kg) and for a combined total (270kg). That total currently ranks as the eighth best in the country for college-aged lifters. Already a national qualifier, Fukuhara had posted totals of 115kg in snatch and 145kg in clean and jerk at the Omaha Classic back in September. The other first-place finishes in Iowa City were claimed by Michael Davidge at 89kg and Adrian Hernandez at 109kg. For more details, check out the meet recap HERE. The season will continue with the North American Open Finals in Wilmington, N.C., Dec. 7-10.
Athlete profiles: In recent weeks, we have profiled Taysha Rushton of women’s basketball and Creighton Baughman of wrestling. Both are entering their senior seasons as Bulldogs. For coverage of their journeys, click the links below.
--Baughman Feature
--Rushton Feature
Bulldog Coaches Show airs every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. CT: The Bulldog Coaches Show is underway in its ninth 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 2023-24 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 ninth season calling Concordia volleyball. The Max Country broadcast schedule for the fall semester of 2023 can be found HERE.
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 has partnered with Hudl/BlueFrame 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
· Current rankings (according to NAIA.org):
o Women – No. 1 in GPAC, No. 6 in the NAIA coaches’ poll
o Men – No. 3 in GPAC
· Most recent outing:
o 2023 GPAC Championships (Oct. 21): women placed 2nd; men placed 3rd.
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster
· Notable: Concordia emerged from the 2023 GPAC Championships with a pair of top-three team finishes as the women placed second and the men placed third. On the women’s side, the Bulldogs hoped to dethrone Dordt and ultimately finished 14 points behind (42-28) the Defenders. Four Concordia women claimed all-conference awards: Julie McIntyre (second), Keeli Green (third), Kylahn Freiberg (seventh) and Hannah Beintema (13th). McIntyre’s runner-up finish is the highest for a Bulldog individual since Freiberg seized second place as a freshman in 2019. On the men’s side, Calvin Rohde climbed to No. 6 and qualified individually for the national meet. Both Freiberg and Rohde are now three-time all-conference honorees in cross country. In the men’s team race, Dordt took first place and was followed by Doane and Concordia. Based on recent NAIA coaches’ polls, the women are a lock to earn an at-large bid to nationals while the men are likely to come up short. The women have qualified for nationals for the second year in a row and for the third time during Head Coach Matt Beisel’s tenure. Official NAIA national qualifiers were announced on Tuesday afternoon. The NAIA Cross Country National Championships are set for Nov. 17 in Fort Vancouver, Wash.
· Up Next:
o Friday, Nov. 17 at 2023 NAIA Cross Country National Championships (Fort Vancouver, Wash.).
Football
· Current record: 4-5, 4-5 GPAC.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Doane, 55-26, on Nov. 4.
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: The Bulldogs celebrated senior day with the most lopsided victory in the Concordia-Doane rivalry since 1996. Quarterback DJ McGarvie threw for 364 yards and totaled five touchdowns (four passing and one rushing) on a day when he became the program’s all-time record holder for passing touchdowns (52) and passing yards (6,514). Eight different Bulldogs found the end zone in the win (in order): Devin Zeigler, Austin Jablonski, Carsen Arline, Luke Lang, McGarvie, Deegan Barnes, Max Bartels and Mason Edwards. It was another monster day for Jablonski, who caught 10 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. In the process, Jablonski became the program’s new single season record holder for receiving yards (1,033), eclipsing the previous standard of 1,024 by Korrell Koehlmoos. Meanwhile, Arline made five grabs for 72 yards and a score. In the defensive backfield, Barnes notched 11 tackles and scooped up a fumble and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown. A sterling season for Kyle Sterup continued as he recorded five more tackles for loss, bringing his season TFL total to 19 (tied for the most in the nation). Head Coach Patrick Daberkow now owns a record of 4-3 versus Doane. Concordia will have a chance to finish the 2023 campaign with .500 record if it can claim victory at Mount Marty on Saturday.
· Game notes for this week’s matchup with Mount Marty can be found HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 11 at Mount Marty (3-7, 2-7 GPAC), 1 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
· Current record: 13-3-3, 8-1-3 GPAC (2nd)
· Last week:
o Won vs. Jamestown, 2-1, on Nov. 2 (GPAC Quarterfinals).
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: Head Coach Nick Smith’s squad is in the midst of postseason play after it turned in a 2-1 home win over Jamestown in the GPAC quarterfinals on Nov. 2. The Bulldogs took a 2-0 lead to halftime thanks to a goal apiece from Elena Ruiz (10’) and Savannah Andrews (36’). Early in the second half, the Jimmies tightened the contest with a goal from Miarosa Gyllenswan (47’). Concordia managed to stifle Jamestown from that point on while owning a decisive advantage in shots (18-6) and shots on goal (12-3). The Jimmies were able to hold GPAC leading goal scorer Kierstynn Garner without a goal, although she was active with five shots on frame. Garner needs one more goal to become the fourth player in program history to hit the 20-goal mark in a single season. Concordia earned its first postseason win as a program since it defeated Jamestown by the same 2-1 score in the 2020 GPAC championship game (played in the spring of 2021 due to COVID-19). The Bulldogs had this past weekend off as they prepare to host Midland at 7 p.m. today (Nov. 7) in the GPAC semifinals. The winner will advance to the GPAC championship game and will play either Hastings or Dordt on Friday.
· For additional statistics and details, check out this week’s postseason preview HERE.
· This week:
o Tuesday, Nov. 7 vs. Midland (11-4-4, 7-2-3 GPAC), 7 p.m. (GPAC Semifinals)
o Friday, Nov. 10 (GPAC Championship, if a win is claimed on Tuesday).
Volleyball
· Current record: 22-2, 14-2 GPAC (T-1st); ranked No. 4 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Def. No. 18 Midland, 25-17, 16-25, 25-23, 27-25 (away) on Oct. 31.
o Def. Dakota Wesleyan, 25-11, 25-17, 25-15 (home) on Nov. 4 (GPAC Quarterfinals).
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The final day of the 2023 regular season was a memorable one for the Bulldogs as they held off No. 18 Midland in four sets and claimed a share of the GPAC regular season title. The conference championship marked the third in program history and first since the 2000 squad also shared the league title. Concordia earned a regular season sweep of the Warriors, who have also reached the GPAC tournament semifinals. The Bulldogs are on a mission to reach the conference tournament final for the third year in a row. They made progress towards that aim this past weekend by dominating Dakota Wesleyan at home. Gabi Nordaker stood out with eight blocks in the victory. Two significant milestones were reached last week as Camryn Opfer moved past 1,500 career kills and Bree Burtwistle eclipsed 3,000 career assists (counting her one season at Midland). Burtwistle spurred an attack that hit .278 last week. Ben and Angie Boldt have led the program to at least the semifinals of the GPAC tournament in five straight seasons. In the 2023 semifinals, Concordia will host No. 12 Jamestown on Wednesday. The two sides also met inside Friedrich Arena on Oct. 6 with the result being a four-set win for the Bulldogs. Wednesday’s winner will advance to play in Saturday’s GPAC championship match against either No. 1 Northwestern or No. 18 Midland.
· For additional statistics and details, check out this week’s notes package HERE.
· This week:
o Wednesday, Nov. 8 vs. No. 12 Jamestown (23-8, 14-2 GPAC), 7 p.m. (GPAC Semifinals)
o Saturday, Nov. 11 (GPAC Championship, if a win is claimed on Wednesday).
Men’s Soccer
· Current record: 13-1-4, 7-0-4 GPAC; ranked No. 18 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Lost vs. Dordt, 3-0, on Nov. 1.
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: Ranked 18th in last week’s NAIA coaches’ poll, Concordia was stunned at home by Dordt, 3-0, in the GPAC quarterfinals on Nov. 1. The result was a stunner for a Bulldog squad that went undefeated during the regular season and for a program that had owned a 20-game home unbeaten streak (18-0-2). The visiting Defenders took their chances well in scoring three goals on just five total shots. As for Concordia, it was limited to three shots on goal while being shut out for only the second time in 2023. The defeat leaves the Bulldogs hoping they have done enough to garner an at-large berth into the NAIA national tournament field. Concordia was ranked 21st nationally in the most recent MRPI ranking released by the NAIA. Head Coach Jason Weides’ squad will have to wait until next Monday to learn its fate. The GPAC tournament will continue this week with the championship game on Thursday.
· For additional statistics and details, check out this week’s notes package HERE.
· This week:
o Idle; Concordia now awaits the NAIA national tournament selection show scheduled for Monday, Nov. 13.
Shooting Sports
· Most recent outing:
o Placed 3rd HOA overall (out of seven teams) at the Waco Trap & Skeet Collegiate Invitational (Nov. 4-5).
· Links: 2023-24 Schedule | Roster | Season Preview
· A recap from this past weekend’s event can be found HERE.
· Notable: In the final outing of the fall season, Concordia placed third overall at the Waco Trap & Skeet Collegiate Invitational. Individually, senior Jack Nelson stole the show as he shot 294/300 HOA with a 98 in each of the disciplines (skeet, trap and sporting clays). Nelson won the individual title and took first in sporting clays. The rest of the team’s top five in Waco (HOA) were Buchannan Tietjen (286), Devin Harris (282), Ames Adelt (280), Sam Blevins (278) and Wayne Moore (278). The team’s top females were Claire Kee (273) and Katie Welker (270). The Bulldogs placed behind Fort Hays State University (Kan.) (1,456) and Schreiner University (1,429) on the team HOA leaderboard. They were just one target behind Schreiner. Head Coach Dylan Owens led the Bulldogs to third place finishes or better at six of the seven competitions this fall. The season will resume in March of 2024 with the Doane Tiger Invitational. For a recap of the Waco Invite, click HERE.
· Up Next:
o The 2023-24 season will resume in the spring with the Doane Tiger Invitational on March 9-10, 2024.
Men’s Basketball
· Current record: 2-0.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Mayville State University (N.D.), 88-73, on Nov. 3.
o Won vs. No. 19 William Penn University (Iowa), 103-74, on Nov. 4.
· Links: 2023-24 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: The 2023-24 season tipped off at the 24th annual Cattle Classic. It was an overall impressive weekend showing as the Bulldogs defeated two 2023 national tournament qualifying teams in Mayville State and No. 19 William Penn. Both Noah Schutte and Tristan Smith were named to the All-Cattle Classic Team for their starring performances. Schutte posted a combined 51 points and 15 rebounds while making 20-of-32 (.625) shots from the floor. Meanwhile, Smith tallied 32 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists. Head Coach Ben Limback used a starting lineup that featured Joel Baker and Bradley Bennett in the backcourt and Schutte, Smith and Lukas Helms in the frontcourt. Baker got the start with Jaxon Weyand currently banged up. As for Helms, he was one of several freshmen who made their collegiate debuts. Rookie Brooks Kissinger averaged 13.5 points and made 3-of-5 attempts from 3-point range at the Cattle Classic. Concordia was not ranked to begin this season, but it was projected as a national tournament team by NAIA Hoops Report. Limback enters this week needing one more win for No. 300 in his head coaching career.
· For additional statistics and details, check out the Concordia Men’s Basketball homepage HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 11 at Benedictine College (Kan.) (1-1), 5 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
· Current record: 2-0; ranked No. 17 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Sterling College (Kan.), 95-70, on Nov. 3.
o Won vs. No. 5 Marian University (Ind.), 75-62, on Nov. 4.
· Links: 2023-24 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: No. 17 Concordia was joined at the 24th annual Cattle Classic by two nationally ranked teams and another squad that qualified for last season’s national tournament. The Bulldogs were impressive against quality competition in claiming wins over Sterling and No. 5 Marian. All-Cattle Classic Team recognition went to Taysha Rushton and Kendal Brigham. Rushton averaged 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds over the two wins while Brigham tallied a combined 23 points and eight assists over the weekend. Head Coach Drew Olson has unleashed the full-court press to the max once again. Sterling and Marian committed a combined 54 turnovers. Freshman Sammy Leu enjoyed a big-time debut with 20 points in the season opener. She made the first five shot attempts of her career. Concordia backed up its preseason national ranking. The Bulldogs landed at No. 3 in the GPAC preseason coaches’ poll. Olson’s career win total has moved to 445, a number that equals former men’s basketball coach Grant Schmidt for the most coaching victories for any sport in the history of Concordia Athletics.
· For additional statistics and details, check out the Concordia Women’s Basketball homepage HERE.
· This week:
o Idle; will return to action on Nov. 15 with a home game versus Morningside.
Wrestling
· Current dual record: 1-0, 1-0 GPAC.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Midland, 45-6, on Nov. 1.
o Competed at the Luther Hill Invitational on Nov. 4.
· Links: 2023-24 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Rankings
· Notable: Head Coach Chase Clasen’s squad opened the season in style, dominating Midland by a 45-6 final score in the season opening dual held inside Friedrich Arena. Six Bulldogs won their matches with bonus points: Martim Moniz (pin at 125), Creighton Baughman (technical fall at 141), Barret Brandt (pin at 165), Stephen Duffy (major decision at 174), Hunter Weimer (major decision at 184) and Mason Garcia (technical fall at 197). Other winners for Concordia were Grant Wells (133) and Jeaven Scdoris (157) by forfeit and Tracey Allen (149) by decision. Three days later, Concordia competed 19 wrestlers at the Luther Hill Invitational hosted by NCAA Division III Simpson University in Indianola, Iowa. Baughman (141) and Weimer (184) won titles in their respective weight classes as two of 11 Bulldogs to earn place finishes. Baughman edged the NAIA’s ninth-ranked 141-pounder in the championship bout at the Luther Hill Invite. Concordia wrestlers combined for 41 victories on the day. The season will continue this Saturday at the Grand View University Open.
· For additional statistics and details, check out the Concordia Wrestling homepage HERE.
· This week:
o Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Grand View University Open (Des Moines, Iowa), 9 a.m.