Bulldog Athletic Association Member (BAAM) Athletes of the Week
Male: Jack Nelson, Shooting Sports / D’Andre Williams, Soccer
Nelson, a native of Kimberly, Idaho, emerged as the only competitor to shoot 100 straight in street at the Hastings Invite this past weekend. Nelson led the Bulldogs with an HOA total of 272 as the team placed third at the event.
Williams, who hails from Ontario, Canada, rescued the Bulldogs from a 1-0 deficit at Jamestown while finding the back of the net for the equalizing and game-winning goals. Williams has tallied three goals and two assists on the season.
Female: Rylee Ladd, Powerlifting / Camryn Opfer, Volleyball
Ladd (Chetek, Wis.) got the powerlifting season off to an impressive start as she earned the Best Female Lifter award at the UNL Husker Strong Collegiate Meet in Lincoln on Oct. 7. At 56kg, Ladd also made all nine lifts and eclipsed her own state records achieved in Wisconsin.
Opfer, a hometown Seward native, helped the top-ranked Bulldogs to home wins last week over No. 14 Jamestown and Dakota Wesleyan. Over those two matches, Opfer notched a combined 24 kills (3.43 per set), 29 digs (4.14 per set), two blocks and two aces. Opfer moved past 1,500 career digs this past week.
Previous BAAM Athletes of the Week
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.
Rylee Ladd leaders powerlifters at opening meet of 2023-24 season: Sophomore Rylee Ladd starred this past Saturday (Oct. 7) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Husker Strong Collegiate Meet. It was the first meet of the 2023-24 season for Concordia University Powerlifting. Nineteen Bulldogs tested themselves in bench press, squat and deadlift. Ladd was recognized with the Best Female Lifter award at the meet and was one of seven Concordia athletes to claim titles within their respective weight classes. Other champions were Pryce Ostermeier (82.5kg) and Will Peterson (140kg) on the men’s side and Rylee Bentz (67.5kg), Taylor Gniot (90kg), Ladd (56kg class), Abigail Lockingen (100kg) and Abigail Velten (75kg) on the women’s side. Next on the powerlifting schedule will be the Central Collegiate Regional Championships on Nov. 18-19. For more on the lifting sports programs, click HERE.
Featuring the hall of famers: Over the past couple of months, we’ve featured each of the inductees of the 2023 Concordia Athletics Hall of Fame Class. Click the links below for the two latest features, which profile Luther Klenke and the 1982-83 men’s tennis team. The ’23 hall of fame class also included Amy (Ahlers) Allgood, Rick Dietze, Chandler Folkerts, Rod Giesselmann and Bailey Morris.
--Luther Klenke
--1982-83 Men’s Tennis
Waldorf University announced as newest GPAC member: On Sept. 18, the Great Plains Athletic Conference 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.
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. 2 in GPAC, No. 8 in the NAIA coaches’ poll
o Men – No. 3 in GPAC; receiving votes in the NAIA coaches’ poll
· Most recent outing:
o Briar Cliff Invite (Oct. 7): women placed 3rd out of 17 teams; men placed sixth out of 18 teams.
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster
· Notable: The Bulldogs put together their best overall team performances this past weekend as 46 Concordia runners took to Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, S.D., for the Briar Cliff Invite. Among GPAC teams in the field, the Bulldogs placed second out of eight on the women’s side and third out of nine on the men’s side. The women ran a 6k and fifth-year athlete Kylahn Freiberg led the way by clocking in at 21:40.12, placing her fifth out of 224 runners. On the men’s side, Calvin Rohde placed 13th out of 217 competitors with an 8k time of 25:17.16. In the NAIA coaches’ polls released last week, Concordia vaulted up to No. 8 on the women’s side while the men received votes. The No. 8 ranking is the highest for the women’s program since the 2010 season – and is the highest ranking during Head Coach Matt Beisel’s tenure (began with the 2016 campaign). Only one meet remains in the regular season as the GPAC Championships lurk on the horizon.
· This week:
o Idle; up next will be the College of Saint Mary/Doane NAIA Classic on Oct. 21.
Volleyball
· Current record: 17-0, 10-0 GPAC; ranked No. 1 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o def. No. 14 Jamestown, 23-25, 27-25, 25-18, 25-13 (home) on Oct. 6.
o def. Dakota Wesleyan, 25-9, 25-20, 25-15 (home) on Oct. 7.
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The unbeaten ride continues for the top-ranked Bulldogs, who enjoyed a weekend at home by defeating No. 14 Jamestown in four sets and Dakota Wesleyan in three sets. The matchup with the Jimmies featured the current NAIA No. 1 versus last season’s national champion. The circumstances brought about one of the best volleyball crowds (perhaps the best) ever seen at Friedrich Arena. After dropping the first set, Concordia responded and eventually finished emphatically by hitting .533 in the fourth set. On the evening, three Bulldogs reached double figures in kills: Ashley Keck (16), Camryn Opfer (14) and Gabi Nordaker (13). Concordia then came back the next day and made quick work of the Tigers, a 2022 national quarterfinalist. On the weekend, the Bulldogs hit .294 and averaged 16.29 kills per set. The kill leaders were Nordaker (28), Keck (25) and Opfer (24). Other category leaders were Bree Burtwistle in assists (86), Opfer in digs (29), Nordaker in blocks (14) and Burtwistle and Opfer in aces (two apiece). Head Coach Ben Boldt’s squad tops the GPAC with a 10-0 league mark. Next in line are Jamestown (9-1) and Northwestern (8-2).
· For additional statistics and details, check out this week’s notes package HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Oct. 14 at No. 2 Northwestern (17-2, 8-2 GPAC), 3 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
· Current record: 9-3-1, 5-1-1 GPAC.
· Last week:
o Lost vs. Morningside, 1-0, on Oct. 4.
o Won at Jamestown, 1-0, on Oct. 7.
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: In two outings decided by 1-0 scores last week, the Bulldogs experienced a down and then an up. Concordia’s attack was silenced by Morningside in a 1-0 home defeat on Oct. 4. Three days later, Head Coach Nick Smith’s squad put together a strong performance and won at defending GPAC champion Jamestown, 1-0. The lone Bulldog goal of the week was scored by Kierstynn Garner in the eighth minute at Jamestown. Concordia made that goal stand up while fending off 14 shots (nine on goal) by the Jimmies. The victory marked the first for the program at Jamestown (had been 0-2-1 in three previous trips). Also noteworthy, Grace Soenksen pushed her career games played number to 85, which surpassed her sister Esther for No. 2 on the list. The Bulldogs enter this week in first place in the GPAC standings with a 5-1-1 league mark (16 points). There are four other teams with at least 13 points: College of Saint Mary (14), Dordt (13), Hastings (13) and Midland (13). Concordia will take on CSM and Hastings this week in pivotal matchups.
· For additional statistics and details, check out this week’s notes package HERE.
· This week:
o Wednesday, Oct. 11 vs. College of Saint Mary (6-2-4, 4-1-2 GPAC), 7 p.m.
o Saturday, Oct. 14 at Hastings (9-1-1, 4-1-1 GPAC), 8 p.m.
Men’s Soccer
· Current record: 11-0-2, 5-0-2 GPAC; ranked No. 22 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Tied vs. Morningside, 0-0, on Oct. 4.
o Won at Jamestown, 2-1, on Oct. 7.
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: Injuries have started to have an impact on the Bulldogs, but they were able to grit out a 0-0 draw with Morningside on Oct. 4 and come back for a 2-1 win at Jamestown on Oct. 7. Those results kept Concordia undefeated this season with an 11-0-2 overall mark. Both of the goals at Jamestown were scored by D’Andre Williams, who found the back of the net in the 48th and 83rd minutes. His exploits erased a 1-0 deficit that stemmed from Jamestown’s goal less than four minutes into the contest. In the draw with Morningside, keeper Nolan Fuelberth picked up the shutout while making seven saves. Among the notable absences last week, Isaiah Shaddick sat out both games due to injury. Iker Casanova then also missed the game at Jamestown (due to injury). The Bulldogs could use their services as they hunt for a GPAC championship. At 5-0-2 (17 points) in GPAC play, Concordia resides in second place behind Briar Cliff (6-0-1, 19 points).
· For additional statistics and details, check out this week’s notes package HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Oct. 14 at Hastings (4-6-2, 3-2-1 GPAC), 5:30 p.m.
Golf
· Last week (men):
o Shot 318-316–634 (7th place out of 11) at the Nebraska Intercollegiate (Oct. 6-7).
· Last week (women):
o Shot 385-355–740 (5th place out of 6) at the Nebraska Intercollegiate (Oct. 6-7).
· Men’s Links: 2023-24 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: Concordia Golf wrapped up the fall portion of the 2023-24 season this past weekend at the Nebraska Intercollegiate in Ashland, Neb., where state bragging rights were on the line. Scores were higher than expected across the board due to windy conditions. The Bulldogs wound up in seventh place out of 11 squads while shooting a two-round total of Shot 318-316–634. Drew D’Ercole emerged as the bright spot as he tied for fourth individually (field of 55) while shooting 74-74–148 (+4). He finished four strokes behind the tournament champion from Bellevue University. The Concordia group of five also included Justin Webert (83-79–162; T-29th), Jake Richmond (83-79–162; T-31st), Jake Hagerbaumer (84-79–163; T-31st) and Gavin McWhorter (82-84–166; 37th).
· Women’s Links: 2023-24 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: The women competed at the same event as the men, the Nebraska Intercollegiate. The women’s tournament featured six Nebraska squads. A University of Nebraska-Kearney team coached by Concordia alum Shawn Rodehorst claimed the title. The Bulldogs finished fifth and shot 385-355–740 for the weekend. Broken Bow, Neb., native Emery Custer shot 90-86–176 for the tournament. She was nine strokes out of a top 10 placement (medals were handed out to the top 10 finishers). The rest of the Bulldog lineup included Logan Eschliman (88-92–180; 18th), Maddie Lewis (104-87–191; 23rd), Mya Nurse (106-90–196; 25th) and Jennifer Gillotti (103-96–199).
· Next:
o Both teams will return to action in the spring of 2024. The spring slate is yet to be announced.
Shooting Sports
· Last week:
o Placed 3rd HOA overall (out of 11 teams) at the Hastings College Bronco Invitational (Oct. 7-8).
· Links: 2023-24 Schedule | Roster | Season Preview
· A recap from this past weekend’s event can be found HERE.
· Notable: Head Coach Dylan Owens’ squad placed third out of 11 teams at the Hastings College Bronco Invitational while posting a total of 1,340. The top two teams at the event held in Grand Island, Neb., were Fort Hays State University (Kan.) (1,396) and host Hastings (1,348). Most impressively, senior Jack Nelson ran 100 straight in skeet and was the champion in that discipline. Led by the Kimberly, Idaho, native Nelson, Concordia posted a 480 in skeet while placing behind only Fort Hays State in that particular discipline. Nelson was the only athlete in the entire field to shoot a perfect skeet score. Other Bulldogs who contributed to the team total were Sam Blevins (97), Claire Kee (95), Rayne Larrison (94), Ames Andelt (94) and Devin Harris (94). On the HOA male individual leaderboard, Nelson placed in a tie for fourth place with a 272. Nelson also shot 94 in trap and 78 in sporting clays. Kee finished fourth HOA among females with her total of 256. While not competing this week, Concordia will host the Kids & Clays Sporting Clays Tournament Friday through Sunday in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Omaha.
· This week:
o Idle; next up will be the Concordia Bulldog Sporting Invitational (Oct. 21-22).
Football
· Current record: 2-4, 2-4 GPAC.
· Last week:
o Lost at No. 3 Morningside, 62-6, on Oct. 7.
· Links: 2023 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: Concordia had competed closely with No. 1 Northwestern in the season opener (48-35 loss) but was unable to duplicate that performance last week at No. 3 Morningside. The potent Mustangs quickly put 10 points on the board off Bulldog turnovers and led 24-0 at the end of a quarter. Concordia avoided being shut out thanks to a 15-yard touchdown pass from DJ McGarvie to Austin Jablonski late in the third quarter. Jablonski caught six passes for 56 yards for the game. Defensively, CJ Dyhrkopp posted nine tackles, including one for loss. On the other side, Morningside quarterback Cash Parker threw for 284 yards and four touchdowns. The Bulldogs still have yet to defeat the Mustangs since 2003. Morningside sits tied with Northwestern atop the GPAC standings with a 5-0 conference mark. At 2-4, the Bulldogs are tied for seventh place.
· Game notes for this week’s matchup with Hastings can be found HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Oct. 14 at Hastings (3-4, 2-4 GPAC), 1 p.m.
Tennis
· Last week:
o Men – lost vs. Mount Marty, 6-1 (Oct. 3); lost at William Jewell College (Mo.), 7-0 (Oct. 7).
o Women – lost at William Jewell College (Mo.), 6-1 (Oct. 7).
· Links: 2023-24 Schedules: Men – Women | 2023-24 Rosters: Men – Women
· Notable: Following three weekends of tournament action in September, Head Coach Lisa Hart’s Bulldogs competed in its first dual action of 2023-24. The men’s team was defeated at home (inside the Fieldhouse) by Mount Marty, 6-1, on Oct. 3. Both the men and women then traveled to Liberty, Mo., on Oct. 7 and endured losses at the hands of NCAA Division II William Jewell College. The one match victory for Concordia was delivered by Chakira Derman, a transfer and native of Lome, Togo. Derman has moved into the No. 1 spot in the lineup. As for the men, the one point versus Mount Marty came courtesy of freshman Michael Bedrosian at No. 4 singles, 6-2, 6-2.
· Next:
o The 2023-24 season will resume in the spring for both squads. The slate for the spring is yet to be announced.