SEWARD, Neb. – There’s never been a better start to a season for Concordia University Competitive Cheer. The Bulldogs were rewarded with a score of 77.2 on Thursday (Jan. 19) as they opened the 2023 season by hosting Morningside inside the PE Center Gym. The visiting Mustangs were up to the challenge in notching a score of 83.1 to win the dual. Concordia is coming off a fourth place GPAC finish in 2022.
This outing provided a starting point for Head Coach Mandi Maser and company. The Bulldogs hope to build upon it as action heats up next week.
Said Maser, “Cheer did a great job overcoming adversity and adjusting last minute to a routine. They got out there and did their best they could in their first competion. We know they have a ton of potential to score much higher throughout the season. It was a good competition to get their nerves out. We have a lot of new freshmen on the floor. It was nice to have them get to feel what the competition is like. We really have high expectations for this team. We’ll get back to practice and get ready for a big week of competition.”
The Bulldogs competed 10 athletes as part of their routine on Saturday. The group includes veteran leaders like Brenden Ingram and Shelby Timmerman. A native of Clatonia, Neb., Timmerman made history last season by earning all-conference honors. Other returners to the mat were Lexi Mack, Victoria Perry, Sabrina Reed, Bre Romero and Elizabeth Schultz. Three freshmen got their first taste of collegiate competition: LaCole Anno, Taylor Larsen and Lauryn Stanley.
Concordia competition roster
· LaCole Anno (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Brenden Ingram (Kearney, Neb.)
· Taylor Larsen (Ravenna, Neb.)
· Lexi Mack (Wilber, Neb.)
· Victoria Perry (Shelby, Neb.)
· Sabrina Reed (Crete, Neb.)
· Bre Romero (Elmwood, Neb.)
· Elizabeth Schultz (Seward, Neb.)
· Lauryn Stanley (Big Spring, Neb.)
· Shelby Timmerman (Clatonia, Neb.)
In the preseason coaches’ poll released on Wednesday, Concordia was picked second behind Midland. The Mustangs appear to be positioned to exceed their conference preseason landing of seventh.
Next on the docket will be a triangular with Hastings and Mount Marty on Jan. 25. The dance competition is slated to get underway at roughly 6:30 p.m. CT (halftime of the women’s basketball game) from Friedrich Arena. The cheer competition will follow at the conclusion of women’s basketball and take place inside the PE Center Gym.