SEWARD, Neb. – The 2020 Concordia University Cheer & Dance Invite featured 10 dance and six cheer teams in what served as somewhat of a preview of the GPAC Championships. Each of the squads on hand performed Saturday (Feb. 1) inside Walz Arena. The Bulldogs placed sixth in dance (63.06) and fourth in cheer (56.03).
The event marked the second home appearance for both of head coach Mandi Maser’s squads, which last competed at the Concordia Invitational Tournament on Jan. 25.
“We definitely showed signs of improvement once again,” Maser said. “I know our athletes enjoyed hosting the event and to have this many teams here at home. They were able to familiarize themselves with those teams before we have the GPAC Championships next Saturday. We need to get back to practice and continue to increase our skill. There are things we’ve done in practice that haven’t quite carried over to competition yet, but I like the direction we’re moving.”
Midland won the title in both cheer and dance in an event made up exclusively of GPAC squads, with the exception of the York College dance team. In addition to competing at CIT, the Bulldogs also took part in the Doane Invite back on Jan. 19. Concordia added to its roster this week with volleyball’s Kaci Hohenthaner joining the team. Hohenthaner jumped into competition with just a couple of practices under her belt.
Prior to the scores being announced on Saturday, the Bulldogs honored their senior class, including Anna Armbrust, Allana Blakeman, Blake Castillo, Morgan Fritsch, Ciera Hartung, Christopher James and Annemarie Pico.
Both the cheer and dance teams will be in action again on Wednesday as part of halftime performances during the basketball games at Doane. The Bulldogs and Tigers will go head-to-head in dual action inside the Haddix Center in Crete. The GPAC Championships will take place Feb. 8 at Doane.