FREMONT, Neb. – In another big step for the NAIA emerging sport of cheer and dance, the GPAC held the first ever conference invite on Saturday. At the event hosted in Fremont, Neb., by Midland University, head coach Daneen Kovar Theye’s Bulldog cheer squad finished runner up in the “non stunt” category, while the dance team placed seventh.
“Both cheer and dance worked hard preparing for Saturday’s competition,” Kovar Theye said. “I’m extremely proud of them for the hard work, dedication and for their performance at the invite. The dance team will be working this week to make adjustments to their routine as we prepare for our regional qualifier next Saturday (Feb. 15).”
Concordia cheer placed second behind Nebraska Wesleyan. Led by junior captain Maggie Weber, the Bulldogs earned 161.75 points compared to 173.5 for the Prairie Wolves.
In the dance competition, Concordia, led by captains Allison Schuerman and Erin Wineman, finished seventh with 240.2 points. GPAC champion Midland received 296.7 points to win the title.
Kovar Theye traveled a total of 15 competitors to the invite – eight for cheer and seven for dance.
Last year’s cheer captain Jessica Olson, now a Concordia alum, assisted Kovar Theye at the invite.
Next up for the Bulldogs is the regional qualifier on Feb. 15 when they travel to Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa.