Hometown: Madison, Neb.
Alma Mater: Concordia University, Nebraska
The 2023 season marked Patrick Daberkow's 17th on the Concordia Football staff and seventh as head coach. He spent three seasons as the secondary coach and then seven years as defensive coordinator for the Bulldogs. Daberkow was officially promoted to the role of Head Football Coach in December of 2016.
In terms of record, the 2021 campaign was Daberkow's best. He guided the Bulldogs to a 7-3 overall record (tied for third in the GPAC) and the program's first sweep of in-state rivals Doane, Hastings and Midland since the 1970 season. The first season of Daberkow's head coaching tenure (2017) was highlighted by a homecoming victory over then seventh-ranked Doane and a late four-game win streak. The Bulldogs made one appearance in the national poll and finished at 6-4 overall. Their third-place league finish was the program's best since 2002. The 2020 team began the season at 4-0 before finishing 4-4 with the help of All-American linebacker Lane Napier. The program has produced at least one All-American in eight-straight seasons and in 10 of the past 11 seasons. Prior to Napier (2018-21) and Garrett Schardt (2021), Tarence Roby (2017) and Trey Barnes (2015, 2016) were also named NAIA All-Americans by the American Football Coaches Association. In 2022, receiver Korrell Koehlmoos starred while leading the NAIA in receptions (95) and setting new program standards in all major receiving categories. The '22 team broke program records in the following categories: offensive yards per game (407.5), total passing yards (2,817), passing yards per game (281.7), passes completed (252), passes completed per game (25.2), passes attempted (444), passes attempted per game (44.4) and most offensive plays per game (77.8). The 2023 team then set a new standard for offensive yards (412.0).
Between 2013 and 2015, Daberkow coordinated two defenses that finished in the top five of the nation in terms of yards allowed per game. Led by GPAC Defensive Player of the Year and All-American safety Darnell Woods, the 2013 Bulldogs ranked No. 1 in the NAIA in pass defense (134.7), No. 5 in total defense (285.5) and No. 5 in scoring defense (17.3). Then in 2015, Concordia put together another dominant defense behind second team All-American Trey Barnes. Among all NAIA teams, Concordia ranked third in pass defense (144.0), fourth in total defense (279.6), fifth in pass efficiency defense (96.7) and 13th in scoring defense (18.7). The 2016 unit wasn't far off, finishing 17th in total defense (328.4). Led by Napier, the defense was the key to a six-game win streak that closed out the 2021 season. Napier finished his career with a school record 535 tackles and was named the '21 GPAC Defensive Player of the Year.
In Daberkow's seven years as defensive coordinator, Concordia produced a total of 29 first or second team All-GPAC defensive selections. Woods became the school's first ever GPAC Defensive Player of the Year. Prior to 2013, Daberkow also served as defensive backs coach. The 2010 team ranked 12th in the NAIA in pass defense.
Daberkow earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Concordia in 2007 and his master's in Education from Concordia in 2010. He lettered all four years as a defensive back for the Bulldogs. He was a team captain in 2006 and was named 2003 team Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
Daberkow is a native of Madison, Neb. He resides in Seward with his wife, Emly, their two daughters, Kinley and Brynn, and son, Roman.
Bulldogs Under Coach Daberkow
2017: 6-4 Overall, 5-3 GPAC
2018: 3-7 Overall, 2-7 GPAC
2019: 3-7 Overall, 3-6 GPAC
2020: 4-4 Overall, 4-4 GPAC
2021: 7-3 Overall, 7-3 GPAC
2022: 4-6 Overall, 4-6 GPAC
2023: 5-5 Overall, 5-5 GPAC
Total: 32-36 Overall, 30-34 GPAC (7 years)
Hometown: Columbus, Neb.
Alma Mater: Concordia University, Nebraska
Corby Osten finished his 16th season as an assistant coach with the Concordia University football program in 2023. Following the 2016 campaign, Osten received a promotion to the position of Defensive Coordinator on Head Coach Patrick Daberkow's staff. A native of Columbus, Neb., Osten continues to also coach the defensive line.
Osten's first year as defensive coordinator yielded three first team All-GPAC selections in defensive backs D'Mauria Martin and Tarence Roby and linebacker Lane Napier. The defense ranked in the top 20 nationally in scoring and pass efficiency. Then in 2018, Napier led all NAIA players with 142 tackles and was again named a first team all-conference selection. Napier is also a four-time AFCA All-American (first team in 2021 and second team in 2020) and a 2018 first team All-America selection by the Associated Press. Prior to Napier (2018-20), Tarence Roby (2017) and Trey Barnes (2015, 2016) were also named NAIA All-Americans by the AFCA. Napier closed his career with 535 career tackles and was named the 2021 GPAC Defensive Player of the Year. The defense played a key role in Concordia's six-game win streak to conclude the 2021 season.
As defensive line coach, Osten has overseen the development of all-conference performers such as Trey Barnes, Dylan Heithoff, Devon Polley, Kyle Rakow, Aaron Rudloff, Erik Small and Kyle Sterup in recent seasons. Barnes earned second team All-America recognition in 2015 while leading the nation's fourth-ranked defense (279.6 yards allowed per game). Barnes then moved up to first team All-America recognition the following season. Barnes and Heithoff were both first team all-conference selections.
Osten previously led a Concordia special teams unit that ranked among the nation's best in 2012. The Bulldogs' Derek Blessing led the NAIA with 388 punt return yards and three punt return touchdowns and kicker Kenny Zoeller racked up the second most field goals nationally with 15. As a team, Concordia ranked fourth in the NAIA in average yards per punt return (16.6) and 11th in average yards per kick return (22.9). Adam Meirose replaced Zoeller in 2013 and twice earned all-conference accolades, giving Concordia a first or second team all-league kicker for three-straight seasons.
As a player, Osten was a three-year letter winner on the Bulldog Football team. Osten helped the Bulldogs to the 2001 GPAC Championship. Concordia advanced to the quarterfinals of the playoffs during the 2001 campaign. That '01 squad was inducted into the Concordia Atheltic Hall of Fame in 2022.
Osten was defensive coordinator and junior varsity head coach at Lutheran South Academy (Houston, Texas) from 2004-07. He also spent one year as defensive coordinator at Lincoln Lutheran in 2008.
Osten attended Concordia University from 1999-2003. He received his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with endorsements in Theology and Physical Education. Corby resides in Seward with his wife Amanda, daughter Isla and sons Tyce and Jaxx.
Hometown: Ashland, Neb.
Alma Mater: Concordia University, Nebraska
Concordia alum Trent Laune completed his second season as a full-time member on the Concordia University Football staff in 2023. He returned to Seward after most recently serving as the Defensive Coordinator at NCAA Division III Grove City College in Grove City, Penn.
Originally from Ashland, Neb., Laune played linebacker for the Bulldogs from 2004 through 2007 and was named Second Team All-GPAC in 2007. In year one as an assistant coach, Laune oversaw a special teams that excelled in particular in the punt game. He also helped tutor two all-conference defensive backs. Laune immediately began his coaching career following his graduation and served as a graduate assistant for the Bulldogs under former head coach Vance Winter. After leaving Seward, Laune landed at NCAA Division III Greenville University in Greenville, Ill., as Defensive Coordinator. Between Greenville and Grove City, Laune spent a combined nine years running defenses at the two programs.
While at Grove City, Laune collaborated on the program’s turnaround and helped the Wolverines produce a combined record of 25-8 over the 2018 through 2021 seasons. Under Laune’s direction, Grove City’s 2021 defense limited the opposition to averages of 254.0 yards and 15.8 points per game. While at Greenville, Laune enjoyed similar success in elevating the defense and aiding the Panthers in a 9-2 campaign in 2013. Laune and the Greenville program produced an NFL free agent signee in Nicholas Morrow, a current member of the Las Vegas Raiders. As part of his duties, Laune proved successful on the recruiting trail in landing student-athletes from 11 different states throughout his career.
Laune retruned to his roots. He led the 2007 Bulldogs in tackles with 70 while also recording 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. As a graduate assistant at Concordia, Laune coached standouts such as linebacker Jerrod Fleming, a 2011 First Team All-GPAC performer. Laune earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and his Master of Business Administration from Concordia.
Hometown: Doniphan, Neb.
Alma Mater: Concordia University, Nebraska
Grady Koch immediately began his coaching career following his collegiate playing career as a Bulldog. In the summer of 2021, Koch was promoted to a full-time position as Assistant Football Coach/Head Junior Varsity Coach. Koch has coached an offensive line that produced First Team All-GPAC center Johnny Robinson III in 2021, Second Team All-GPAC offensive tackle Kaden Peters in 2022 and Second Team All-GPAC guard Tyler Walford.
Koch previously served Concordia as a graduate assistant coach with a special focus on coaching the offensive line. The 2021-22 academic year represented Koch’s third season on the coaching staff. The native of Doniphan, Neb., graduated from Concordia in 2019 with degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education. He went on to earn his M.S. in Athletic Administration. Since the start of his coaching career, Koch has helped the Bulldogs break numerous offensive records, including a new standard for total yards per game in 2023.
Throughout his collegiate career, Koch started on the offensive line as a guard and tackle. He was named Honorable Mention All-GPAC and Honorable Mention Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska as both a junior and senior. During Koch’s junior season, he helped pave the way for running back Ryan Durdon to pile up 1,247 rushing yards. The Bulldogs finished the 2017 season at 6-4 overall.
The Doniphan, Neb., native is the son of Bill and Michelle Koch. His sister Madison also graduated from Concordia and was a member of the Bulldog Dance team.
Hometown: Bellevue, Neb.
Alma Mater: Nebraska Wesleyan University
Kevin Crume joined the Concordia University Football staff in January 2023 after more than two decades as an assistant at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Crume served as the Prairie Wolves’ Defensive Coordinator for the past 12 seasons. The Bellevue, Neb., native plays an especially important role in recruiting at Concordia.
A linebacker at Nebraska Wesleyan from 1999-2001, Crume quickly transitioned to a coaching role at his alma mater. Prior to taking on the Defensive Coordinator role, Crume coached the Prairie Wolves special teams and linebackers. Throughout his time in Lincoln, Crume tutored three All-American defensive players, two All-American specialists and 32 all-conference linebackers.
The defenses he coordinated were especially stout in 2012 and 2013. The ’13 squad posted NAIA national rankings of fourth in scoring defense and 15th in total defense. Crume’s 2012 unit led the NAIA in rush defense, allowing a school record low average of 66.0 yards per game. The 2012 defense turned in national rankings of eighth in total defense and 12th in scoring defense.
Also a Bellevue East High School alum, Crume earned three letters as a student-athlete at Nebraska Wesleyan. The former linebacker helped the 2000 squad win the GPAC regular season title. He graduated from Wesleyan with a degree in Health & Physical Education and went on to earn his Master of Arts in Management from Doane College in 2008.
Kevin and his wife Amanda have a son Brett and daughter Ava.
Hometown: Johnson, Neb.
Alma Mater: Nebraska Wesleyan University
Wyatt Nickels completed his first season as a graduate assistant coach on the Concordia University Football staff in 2023.
As a student-athlete at Nebraska Wesleyan University, Nickels lettered three times. He earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science. He is currently pursuing his master’s in Athletic Administration.
Wyatt is the son of Troy and Krystal Nickels. He has three sisters: Shay, Sydnee and Hallee.
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Alma Mater: Concordia University, Nebraska
Following multiple years as the program’s top running back, Devin Zeigler joined the Concordia Football coaching staff (beginning with the 2024 season) as Graduate Assistant Coach.
A native of Houston, Texas, Zeigler spent five years as a student-athlete for the Bulldogs. Zeigler enjoyed his best season in 2023 as he rushed for 795 yards and 11 touchdowns on 201 carries. The workhorse back topped 100 yards rushing in outings versus Northwestern, Jamestown and Mount Marty. He racked up a career high 124 yards and three touchdowns in the win at Jamestown. Zeigler was named Second Team All-GPAC in 2023. For his career, Zeigler rushed for 1,800 yards, a total that ranks No. 9 on the program’s all-time rushing list. Zeigler rushed for 16 career touchdowns.
Zeigler earned his degree from Concordia in Business Administration and is pursuing his MBA. Devin is the son of Ariane Tolliver and Donnell Zeigler.
Alma Mater: Concordia University, Nebraska
Courtney Meyer continues to serve Concordia football as an assistant coach following a 19-year run as Bulldog Head Coach from 1990 to 2008. Meyer retired his position as head coach with a record of 70-115-1, making him the program's all-time winningest coach in terms of number of victories.
Meyer's best season at the helm of Bulldog football came in 2001 when Concordia set a school record for wins with a 10-2 campaign that included a GPAC co-championship and berth in the NAIA Football Championship Series. The Bulldogs defeated St. Ambrose (Iowa) 31-26 in the first round before falling, 34-10, in the quarterfinals at the hands of Sioux Falls. The '01 team was inducted into the Concordia Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.
In his current role coaching kickers and punters, Meyer helped 2013 graduate Kenny Zoeller develop into an All-American in 2012. Zoeller made 15 of 20 field goal attempts and 27 of 28 extra point tries in 2012. Zoeller's replacement, Adam Meirose, received second team all-conference laurels in 2013 and first team accolades as a junior in 2014. Meyer also worked closely with all-conference punter Korrell Koehlmoos (2022).
Greg Nelson began his time as an assistant coach with the Concordia Football program during the spring of 2023. He works with the team's quarterbacks. He helped DJ McGarvie rise to Second Team All-GPAC honors in 2023 for an offense that averaged more than 30 points per game.
Nelson and the Concordia program enjoyed an already strong relationship with Lincoln Lutheran High School having sent six players to Seward during Nelson’s nine-year tenure as head coach of the Warriors. Nelson transformed the Lincoln Lutheran football program, which had experienced one winning season in the decade prior to his hiring. His Lincoln Lutheran teams qualified for the state playoffs five times, advanced past the first round on three occasions and reached the semifinals once. Each of Nelson’s final seven Warrior squads produced winning records. In addition, Nelson coached 18 players who went on to play college football (including six Bulldogs). Prior to taking on the head job at Lincoln Lutheran, Nelson served as an assistant coach at Lincoln East High School (2010-13) and Lincoln North Star High School (2009) and was a student assistant (tight ends) for the University of Nebraska (2005-08) while helping the Cornhuskers win a Big 12 championship. In total, he’s coached for eight state playoff squads.
Nelson’s coaching career has paralleled his time working at Hudl, where he’s been since 2010. Currently, Nelson holds the title of Senior Vice President and General Manager for Competitive Business. In that role, Nelson works closely with high school and club sports while strategizing across every department to ensure Hudl achieves its goals and serves its customers’ needs.
Ron Jackson Jr.
Athletics
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Alma Mater: Concordia University, Nebraska
Ron Jackson Jr. returned to the Concordia University football staff after previously serving as a two-year graduate assistant coach for the Bulldogs. Jackson works specifically with defensive tackles.
A native of Houston, Texas, Jackson earned second team All-GPAC accolades in 2016 after being named honorable mention all-conference in 2015. Also an Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska choice in 2016, Jackson recorded 105 tackles, including 6.5 for loss, during his four years as a nose guard at Concordia. Jackson helped the 2016 squad to a 7-3 overall record and No. 19 ranking in the final national poll.
Jackson graduated from Concordia with his degree in Business Administration. He is the son of Ronald Jackson Sr. and Danelle Sampia.
Art Anderson
Athletics
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Alma Mater: Concordia University, Nebraska
A former Bulldog wide receiver, Art Anderson began assisting the Concordia Football program following his career as a student-athlete. Anderson played in the 2017 through 2021 seasons.
The native of San Antonio, Texas, compiled career collegiate totals of 104 receptions for 911 yards and six touchdowns. Anderson hauled in 40 receptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns during the 2018 campaign. That ’18 season, Anderson also threw for a touchdown and rushed for another. Anderson has gone on to play professionally and is currently a member of the Billings Outlaws of the Arena Football League.
Anderson earned his degree from Concordia in Exercise Science. He is the son of Arthur III and Tameka Anderson.
Jaxson Kant
Athletics
