SEWARD, Neb. – Starting with the fall of 2014, Concordia University cheer will become an officially-sponsored sport, bringing the number of Bulldog varsity athletic teams to 21. Formerly tagged as a student activity, cheer will provide scholarships to student-athletes and test itself in a greater number of NAIA and conference-sanctioned competitions.
Concordia University is joining in the movement that has seen cheer become an emerging sport in the NAIA.
“This is exciting news that will increase the number of opportunities given to Concordia student-athletes through the sport of cheer,” Director of Athletics Devin Smith said. “This is another step in enhancing the student-athlete experience at Concordia.”
Said third-year dance and cheer coach Daneen Kovar Theye: “I am grateful to have the chance to continue to lead and mentor talented young athletes to greater heights and to compete against the best in the GPAC and nationally.”
The program has also announced the signing of its first ever scholarship recruit. Kovar Theye is pleased to welcome Ashley Blunk as the newest member of Concordia cheer. Blunk will arrive this fall via Papillion-La Vista South High School.
As a conference, the GPAC has brought increased attention upon cheer. On Saturday the league held the first GPAC Cheer and Dance Invite ever, hosted by Midland University in Fremont, Neb. Concordia was one of six cheer squads to compete at the meet.
Currently, Kovar Theye’s cheer squad has eight members led by captain Maggie Weber. The team roster will increase in number by next fall.
For additional information on the dance and cheer programs, ‘like’ the team’s Facebook page.
Ashley Blunk (pictured in middle) is the first ever scholarship recruit for Bulldog cheer. Ashley is currently a senior at Papillion-La Vista South High School.