SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia University, Nebraska Track & Field has swept conference weekly awards on the women’s side. On Wednesday (Jan. 29), the league office named senior Abigail Gerber the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Field Athlete of the Week and junior Adrianna Rodencal the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Track Athlete of the Week. Rodencal has earned a GPAC weekly honor for the second time this season.
The Concordia throws crew has been responsible for a GPAC athlete of the week award in back-to-back weeks. Gerber picks up recognition a week after teammate Abi Wohlgemuth was lauded by the GPAC. At this past week’s Concordia Classic, Gerber landed a personal best shot put mark of 46’ 4 ¾” and placed first. The performance pushed the Columbus, Neb., native to No. 7 on the current NAIA women’s shot put leaderboard. Gerber also came up just shy of the NAIA ‘B’ standard in the weight throw with her toss of 53’ 5” at the Concordia Classic. Gerber ranks No. 7 on the program’s all-time indoor shot put list.
A Lincoln Lutheran High School alum, Rodencal won each of the three events she competed in at the Concordia Classic. She equaled her own school record in the 60-meter hurdles by running 8.53 in the prelims (8.54 in the finals), a time that ranks third fastest in the NAIA this season. Additionally, Rodencal ran the leadoff leg for the women’s 4x400-meter relay that clocked a Fieldhouse record of 3:53.71, good for second best in the NAIA (converted to 3:50.65 on the national list). Lastly, Rodencal won the Concordia Classic 200 meters in a time of 25.61.
Next up for Concordia Track & Field will be Saturday’s Fred Beile Classic hosted by Doane. The Bulldogs will be back at home for the Concordia Indoor Invite on Feb. 7.
2024-25 GPAC Athletes of the Week
Jan. 29 – Abigail Gerber (Field) / Adrianna Rodencal (Track)
Jan. 22 – Abi Wohlgemuth (Field)
Dec. 18 – Adrianna Rodencal (Track)