WICHITA, Kan. – In a unique cheer and dance event hosted by Friends University, the Concordia University Dance team competed as one of seven squads present in Wichita, Kan., on Saturday (Jan. 23). In combining scores from their two performances, the Bulldogs posted a total of 153.34 and took home the runner-up trophy. This marked the third outing of the season for Concordia, which last competed on Jan. 16 when it hosted a home dual.
Head Coach Mandi Maser’s dance squad continues to improve its scores each time out. The Bulldogs also boast a dual win over Mount Marty. Said Maser, "We increased our difficulty this week in practice and the team performed really well. Our scores reflected their hard work."
Concordia and GPAC rival Hastings joined a field made up mostly of Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference opponents on Saturday. As part of the competition, Concordia placed second in a triangular before winning a dual over Bethany College (Kan.). However, the place finishes (see bottom) were awarded based on the total scores put forth by the judges.
The Bulldog Dance competition roster included the following seven on-the-floor athletes:
· Sophomore Katherine Anderson (Columbus, Neb.)
· Junior Haleigh Fitzsimmons (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Freshman Kenna Holtzen (Stromsburg, Neb.)
· Freshman Avery Lewis (Seward, Neb.)
· Sophomore Hannah Schmidt (Gretna, Neb.)
· Sophomore Lizbeth Vargas-Tapia (Omaha, Neb.)
· Freshman Maddie Wittstruck (Milford, Neb.)
The Bulldog Dance team will be back at home on Thursday (Jan. 28) for a dual against College of Saint Mary. The competition will take place at halftime of that night’s women’s basketball game (tipoff at 7 p.m. CT). Also on the horizon is the Concordia Cheer & Dance Invitational slated for Saturday, Feb. 6.
Dance place finishes (based on two scores added together)
1. Baker – 166.58
2. Concordia – 153.34
3. Bethel – 137.42
4. Hastings – 135.75
5. York – 132.53
6. Kansas Wesleyan – 119.92
7. Bethany – 84.2
