SEWARD, Neb. – The competition season for Concordia University Competitive Cheer officially got underway on Saturday (Jan. 20) as the Bulldogs hosted a dual with GPAC rival Hastings. Returning All-GPAC honoree Shelby Timmerman and company came away with a near school record score of 83.30. That total allowed Concordia to defeat the Broncos, who registered a score of 76.95. The action took place inside the PE Center Gym in between home Bulldog basketball games.
This was the debut as Head Coach for Emilie Ashenbach, who is in her fifth season overall working with Concordia Cheer and Dance. She couldn’t have asked for much more in a season opening competition.
“Today's performance was nothing short of excellent, and I couldn't be prouder of the team,” Ashenbach said. “Every member showcased incredible skill, synchronization and enthusiasm, creating a dynamic and spirited atmosphere that left a lasting impression. They left everything on the mat making this performance a standout moment, and I couldn’t ask for more as a coach. I am confident that this success is just a glimpse of the amazing achievements that lie ahead for our exceptional cheer team.”
Timmerman was one of 11 Bulldogs to compete as part of the competition team on Saturday (see full list below). Together, they collaborated on a score that ranks as the second best in the history of the program, behind only the 83.63 produced in the finals of the 2023 GPAC Championships. Out of 13 scores earned so far in 2024 by NAIA cheer teams, Concordia has turned in the highest single competition score nationally.
Eight of the 11 Bulldogs who appeared on the mat on Saturday also were part of last year’s GPAC Championships roster. Ashenbach and company believe they will get a boost from Lincoln East High School alum Bri Hoyle in 2024.
Saturday competition roster:
· LaCole Anno (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Kaitlyn Foley (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Bri Hoyle (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Kaylnn Jeardoe (Beatrice, Neb.)
· Lexi Mack (Wilber, Neb.)
· Ara Maxwell (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Bre Romero (Elmwood, Neb.)
· Elizabeth Schultz (Seward, Neb.)
· Lauryn Stanley (Big Spring, Neb.)
· Mya Stover (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Shelby Timmerman (Clatonia, Neb.)
The competition season will continue next Saturday at the 71st Concordia Invitational Tournament. As part of the grand event that will be hosted by Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon, the cheer competition will take place at 9 a.m. CT with the dance competition to follow at 9:45 a.m. All routines will unfold inside the R. John Buuck Field House. At the 2023 CIT, the Bulldogs won the title in dance and placed second in cheer.