Bulldog Athletics Association Member (BAAM) Athletes of the Week
Female: Mary Beth Hart, Softball
A freshman from Lincoln, Neb., Mary Beth Hart batted .462 (6-for-13) this past weekend as the Bulldogs went 2-2 while up against the likes of University of Saint Mary (Kan.) and Benedictine College (Kan.). As part of the weekend, Hart also doubled twice, drove in three runs and stole two bases. She is majoring in Elementary Education.
Male: Jonny Jurchen, Track & Field
A sophomore from Seward, Jonny ‘The Jet’ Jurchen rose to the top of the NAIA national leaderboard in the 3,000-meter racewalk in a personal best performance at the Concordia Invite. Jurchen won the competition by finishing in 12:19.55. The 2025 indoor All-American is a Chemistry major.
2025-26 BAAM Athletes of the Month
January – Hayden Kluthe (track & field) / Adrianna Rodencal (track & field)
December – Brooks Kissinger (basketball) / Adysen McCarter (track & field)
November – Ava Greene (volleyball) / Brooks Kissinger (basketball)
October – Kierstynn Garner (soccer) / Adam Van Cleave (football)
September – Carson Fehlhafer (football) / Katie Welker (shooting sports)
2025-26 BAAM Athletes of the Week
Feb. 11 – Gabe Lujan (wrestling); Adrianna Rodencal (track & field)
Feb. 4 – JJ Jones (basketball); Hayden Kluthe (track & field)
Jan. 27 – Zac Kulus (basketball); Adrianna Rodencal (track & field)
Jan. 20 – Hayden Kluthe (track & field); Adrianna Rodencal (track & field)
Jan. 13 – Cole Price (wrestling); Ayla Roth (women’s basketball)
Dec. 16 – Jonny Jurchen (track & field); Adysen McCarter (track & field)
Dec. 9 – Ashley Keck (volleyball); Brooks Kissinger (basketball)
Dec. 2 – Brooks Kissinger (basketball); Kristin Vieselmeyer (basketball)
Nov. 18 – Oliver Benson (soccer); Braxtyn Koch (football); Kristin Vieselmeyer (basketball)
Nov. 11 – Ava Greene (volleyball); Brooks Kissinger (basketball)
Nov. 4 – Kierstynn Garner (soccer); Hugo Garrote (soccer)
Oct. 28 – Keeli Green (cross country); Vaughn Hendrickson (cross country)
Oct. 21 – Addie Kirkegaard (volleyball) / Taylor Slaymaker (soccer); Adam Van Cleave (football)
Oct. 14 – Oliver Benson (soccer); Kierstynn Garner (soccer)
Oct. 7 – Carlos Collazo (football); Katie Welker (shooting sports)
Sept. 30 – Hugo Fuentes & Nick Velders (tennis) / Peyton Atwood (football); Sadie Mares (soccer)
Sept. 23 – Oliver Balazs (soccer); Katie Welker (shooting sports)
Sept. 16 – Carson Fehlhafer (football); Ella Waters (volleyball)
Sept. 9 – Sam Blevins (shooting sports); Molli Martin (volleyball)
Sept. 2 – Emery Custer (golf); Slade Leicht (soccer)
Aug. 26 – Kierstynn Garner (soccer); Ashley Keck (volleyball); Sean Stratman (soccer)
News and notes:
BAAM luncheons are held every Tuesday (when classes are in session) at 12 p.m. CT inside the Dog House Grill, located in the Janzow Campus Center. The luncheons feature reports from head coaches who are in season at the time. For information on how to join BAAM, click HERE. It is not a requirement to be a BAAM member in order to attend the weekly luncheons.
Winter GPAC Championships begin this week: It’s GPAC week for both men’s wrestling and indoor track & field. Both championship events are slated to take place Friday-Saturday in northwest Iowa – Northwestern for wrestling and Dordt for track & field. Complete details on those championships are included in the GPAC previews linked below.
--GPAC Wrestling Preview
--GPAC Indoor T&F Preview
Profiling standout Concordia senior student-athletes: Concordia Athletic Communications frequently highlights student-athletes and their unique stories. In recent feature releases, the journeys of seniors Ashley Keck, Taylor Larsen and Mariana Molano have been detailed. Check out those features linked below.
--Ashley Keck
--Taylor Larsen
--Mariana Molano
Powerlifting resumes action with Nebraska State Powerlifting Meet: Five Bulldogs represented Concordia Powerlifting at 2026 USA Powerlifting Nebraska State Championship held in Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Most notably, junior Will Peterson won the junior division title at 140 kilograms. Meanwhile, Pryce Ostermeier and Hunter Powers placed second and third, respectively, in the 82.5 kg weight class. The outing represented the first of the second semester for either powerlifting or weightlifting. As for weightlifting, the program will host the CUNE Weightlifting Open on Feb. 28. Both squads will compete at national championship events in mid-April with the locations being Kenner, La., for powerlifting and Salt Lake City, Utah, for weightlifting.
Bulldog Coaches Show airs every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. CT: The Bulldog Coaches Show has returned for an 11th year. The show airs live for a half hour every Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT on KTMX-FM 104.9 Max Country. The weekly feature can also be heard live via 104.9 Max Country’s website or by downloading the Max Country app. Throughout the 2025-26 season, Bulldog football, men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball contests will be aired live on Max Country. Parker Cyza serves as the host of the coaches’ show as well as the play-by-play voice for football, basketball and volleyball. In addition, Eric Allgood will call select volleyball matches in place of Cyza.
Concordia Sports Network: Live webcasts for most home varsity contests can be accessed by visiting https://www.cune.edu/athletics/watch-bulldogs at game time. Beginning with the 2023-24 academic year, Concordia Athletics began a partnership with Hudl for live video streaming. Live webcast links for away contests are publicized in sport specific releases that preview action for that particular week. Scrimmages, exhibitions and junior varsity events are not broadcasted via the Hudl account. For select JV streams, check out that specific sport’s Facebook page.
Women’s Basketball
· Current record: 21-5, 16-4 GPAC; ranked No. 11 in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won at College of Saint Mary, 88-42, on Feb. 11.
o Won at Briar Cliff, 83-77, on Feb. 14.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The Bulldogs have won five straight GPAC games, including four on the road, following last week’s action. Concordia blew away College of Saint Mary, 88-42, and then earned a quality road victory over Briar Cliff, 83-77, on Valentine’s Day. Most significantly in the win at CSM, Libby Hoffman came off the bench to supply a career-high 16 points. The Bulldogs caused 36 turnovers on the strength of 20 steals. At Briar Cliff, Concordia leaned upon four double-figure scorers: Ayla Roth (17), Kristin Vieselmeyer (13), Raelyn Kelty (12) and Sammy Leu (10). Roth added to her stat line with five rebounds, four steals and three assists. The result marked the Bulldogs’ first win at Briar Cliff since the 2019-20 season. At 16-4 in league play, Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad sits alone in third place heading into the regular season’s final week. From a big picture perspective, Concordia has made itself a national tournament lock. The Bulldogs will honor their two seniors, Vieselmeyer and Gabrielle Wagner, on Wednesday night. Concordia will close the regular by hosting Mount Marty before a visit to Hastings.
· For additional news and notes on the women’s basketball program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Senior Day – Wednesday, Feb. 18 vs. Mount Marty (14-12, 9-11 GPAC), 6 p.m.
o Saturday, Feb. 21 at Hastings (19-7, 15-5 GPAC), 2 p.m.
Men’s Basketball
· Current record: 16-10, 10-8 GPAC.
· Last week:
o Bye – Feb. 11.
o Lost at Briar Cliff, 80-72, on Feb. 14.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: A midweek bye in the schedule preceded this past Saturday’s trip to Briar Cliff. The road proved unkind as the Bulldogs fell in Sioux City, Iowa, 80-72, ending an eight-game series winning streak versus the Chargers. Concordia dug a 46-31 halftime deficit and allowed Briar Cliff to shoot 55.3 percent for the contest. The season long tear continued for star junior guard Brooks Kissinger, who piled up 32 points while making 13-of-21 shots from the floor. The result means the Bulldogs can place as high as the No. 3 seed in the final GPAC standings. In order to do so, Head Coach Ben Limback’s squad must defeat both Mount Marty and Hastings during the final week of the regular season. Before tipoff versus Mount Marty on Wednesday night, Concordia will recognize a senior class that features MJ Coffey, Tyler Harre, Zac Kulus and Logan Wilson.
· For additional news and notes on the men’s basketball program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Senior Day – Wednesday, Feb. 18 vs. Mount Marty (14-10, 12-7 GPAC), 7:45 p.m.
o Saturday, Feb. 21 at Hastings (7-19, 6-12 GPAC), 3:45 p.m.
Indoor Track & Field
· Weekends of 2025-26 Meets: 6.
· Last week:
o Hosted the Concordia Indoor Invite on Feb. 14.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | TFRRS Performance Lists
· Notable: From a pure results standpoint, the Concordia Invite was arguably the best of this season for Bulldog Track & Field. Among the highlights, Jonny Jurchen became the new national leader in the 3,000-meter racewalk, Makenna Starkey equaled the school record in the high jump, the men’s pole vault experienced a major breakthrough and Concordia athletes combined to win 12 event championships. Jurchen’s new NAIA top time came in a 12:19.55 in the 3,000-meter racewalk, an event that saw Jack Habegger and Luke Hammang post personal bests of their own. Starkey cleared 5’ 7” in the high jump and locked up a spot at the national meet. In the pole vault, Evan Hill and Jax Jacobson both cleared 15’ 9 ¼” and put themselves inside the top 10 nationally. On the track, Adrianna Rodencal achieved an NAIA auto time in the 400 meters (56.99) and set the new Fieldhouse record in the 60 hurdles (8.36) while the men’s 4x800-meter relay hit a B standard of 7:51.29. The event champions included the men’s and women’s 4x8 relays, Avery Eaves (60 and 200 meters), Josiah Edwards (weight throw), Jacobson (pole vault), Jurchen (racewalk), Adysen McCarter (triple jump), Trey Robertson (3,000 meters), Rodencal (60 hurdles), Cooper Schelkopf (600 meters) and Starkey (high jump). As of the middle of the week, Head Coach Matt Beisel and his staff are preparing their teams for the 2026 GPAC Championships slated for this Friday and Saturday at Dordt. Last indoor season, the Bulldogs placed third on the women’s side and fourth on the men’s side. Follow the link below to the track & field homepage for a detailed GPAC meet preview.
· For additional news and notes on the track & field programs, click HERE.
· This week:
o Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21 – 2026 GPAC Indoor T&F Championships hosted by Dordt | meet schedule.
Cheer / Dance
· Cheer Season Scoring Average: 65.60
· Dance Season Scoring Average: 87.54
· Last week:
o Cheer:
§ Placed 9th/10 (66.00) at the Northwestern Invite (Day 1) on Feb. 13.
§ Placed 6th/9 (70.80) at the Northwestern Invite (Day 2) on Feb. 14.
o Dance:
§ Placed 5th/10 (87.70) at the Northwestern Invite (Day 1) on Feb. 13.
§ Placed 3rd/9 (87.87) at the Northwestern Invite (Day 2) on Feb. 14.
· Cheer Links: 2026 Schedule | Roster
· Dance Links: 2026 Schedule | Roster
· Notable: It was an eventful weekend for coaches Mandi Maser, Emilie Ashenbach and their squads. Both teams competed at the two-day Northwestern Invite, which was segmented into two separate competitions. Concordia Dance placed fifth out of 10 teams with a score of 87.7 on day one and then placed third out of nine teams with a score of 87.87 on day two. Meanwhile, Bulldog Cheer placed ninth out of 10 teams with a score of 66.0 on day one and then placed sixth out of nine teams with a score of 70.80 on day two. Both squads managed to produce the second best team score of the season in day two action in Orange City, Iowa. Dance has maintained an especially high season average of 87.54. This Saturday’s Midland Invite will represent the final outing prior to the upcoming GPAC Championships.
· For additional news and notes on cheer and dance programs, click the following links: Cheer | Dance.
· This week:
o Saturday, Feb. 21 at Midland Invitational, 11 a.m.
Wrestling
· Current dual record: 8-1, 7-1 GPAC; No. 16 in NAIA ratings.
· Most recent – GPAC Day of Duals No. 2:
o Won vs. Northwestern, 42-5, on Feb. 7.
o Won vs. Morningside, 35-6, on Feb. 7.
o Won vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 32-16, on Feb. 7.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA National Rankings
· Notable: The Bulldogs were off from competition last week, following a dominant day for the Bulldogs at GPAC Day of Duals No. 2 as they came away with three victories by a combined score of 109-27. The event marked the final day of the regular season for Concordia, which went 7-1 in GPAC duals, landing it in second place in the conference standings. At the duals event hosted by Doane, the Bulldogs won 24 of 30 individual matches while up against Northwestern, Morningside and Dakota Wesleyan. Four Bulldogs went 3-0 for the day: Gabe Lujan (125), Paul Ruff (133), Hagen Heistand (157) and Barret Brandt (184). With two more pins, Brandt moved his career total to 46 (four shy of the all-time school record) while Heistand owns a near spotless 15-1 record on the season. In addition, Cannon Carey (165), Torrance Keehn (197) and Gabe Kant (285) all went 2-0 at the GPAC Day of Duals. Carey upset DWU’s 20th-ranked Jackson Remmers, 4-2, in one of the day’s highlights. Head Coach Josh Watts’ squad is gearing up for this weekend’s GPAC Championships at Northwestern. Concordia hopes to improve upon last year’s yields, which included a team placement of third and eight NAIA national qualifiers.
· For additional news and notes on the wrestling program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Feb. 20-21 at 2026 GPAC Wrestling Championships (hosted by Northwestern).
Softball
· Current record: 5-5.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Saint Mary (Kan.), 4-3, on Feb. 14 (in Lincoln, Neb.).
o Won vs. Saint Mary (Kan.), 8-7, on Feb. 14 (in Lincoln, Neb.).
o Lost at Benedictine, 4-0, on Feb. 15.
o Lost at Benedictine, 7-3, on Feb. 15.
· Links: 2026 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Polls
· Notable: In week two of the 2026 season, Head Coach Brock Culler’s squad went 2-2 while earning a doubleheader sweep of University of Saint Mary (Kan.) in Lincoln before falling twice at Benedictine College (Kan.) the next day. In action against USM, the Bulldogs showed they could find ways to win tight games. In game one, Concordia walked it off when Tobbi Topp’s sacrifice fly chased home Mary Beth Hart. Game two was more about hanging on after the Spires got within a run (8-7) with a four-run sixth. Taryn Ganstrom helped put out the fire and earned the save. The Ravens got two strong pitching performances this past Sunday while taking two from the Bulldogs. Out of the leadoff spot, Hart keeps stinging the ball. She went 6-for-13 (.462) with two doubles and three RBIs over the weekend. In the circle, Kaylei Denison logged 13 innings in her two starts and limited the opponents to seven runs (six earned) on 14 hits and four walks. This week’s schedule includes just a single doubleheader. Concordia is slated to play at Central Christian College (Kan.) on Saturday.
· For additional news and notes on the softball program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Feb. 21 at Central Christian (Kan.), 1 p.m. DH.
Baseball
· Current record: 6-2; ranked No. 16 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Lost vs. Clarke, 4-3, on Feb. 14 (in Lincoln, Neb.).
o Won vs. Clarke, 11-0, on Feb. 14 (in Lincoln, Neb.).
o Won vs. Clarke, 7-0, on Feb. 15 (in Lincoln, Neb.).
o Won vs. Clarke, 13-1, on Feb. 15 (in Lincoln, Neb.).
· Links: 2026 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Polls
· Notable: As part of a revised weekend slate, the Bulldogs played a four-game weekend series with Clarke at Den Hartog Field in Lincoln. After falling short in its comeback efforts in game one, Concordia thoroughly dominated the final three games, winning by scores of 11-0, 7-0 and 13-1. The Bulldog pitching staff was masterful as it posted a 1.61 ERA with 41 strikeouts while allowing a .133 batting average in 28 innings. Some of the finest work was turned in by Micah Sweeton (6 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 11 K), Devin Gonor (6 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 9 K), Alex Johnson (3 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K) and Sam Bespoyasny (4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 5 K). Concordia also made strides offensively as it hammered eight home runs (seven on day two) in the series. Bronx Lewis launched three homers, two apiece came from Carson Burnett and Jaeden Jordahl and one was delivered by Jake Watson. The Bulldogs exploded for 10 runs in the sixth inning of the series finale. Next up, Head Coach Ryan Dupic’s squad is scheduled to head to Fayette, Mo., for the Show Me Showdown hosted by No. 25 Central Methodist University.
· For additional news and notes on the baseball program, click HERE.
· This week (Show Me Showdown in Fayette, Mo. – changes are possible due to expected cold temperatures):
o Saturday, Feb. 21 vs. Clarke, 12 p.m. DH.
o Sunday, Feb. 22 at No. 25 Central Methodist, 12 p.m. DH.
Tennis
· Current records: men – 4-0 | women – 4-1.
· Last week:
o W – Won vs. Pratt CC, 4-3, on Feb. 12.
o M – Won vs. Pratt CC, 5-2, on Feb. 12.
o M – Won vs. Bethany, 6-1, on Feb. 14.
o M – Won vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 7-0, on Feb. 16.
· Men’s Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Women’s Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: Through the early going of nonconference play, both tennis squads have experienced plenty of winning. The men won three matches in a five-day stretch over the past week while moving to 4-0. Meanwhile, the women earned a victory over Pratt Community College and stand at 4-1. On the men’s side, Head Coach Lisa Hart’s squad has won by team scores of 5-2 or better in all four outings. The men have gone a combined 21-3 in singles and 9-3 in doubles matches to this point. Three players are 3-0 in singles: Santiago Abadia, Leo Lopez and Nick Velders. The combo of Velders and Nick Chisholm has jetted out to a 4-0 record. On the women’s side, Ishane Derman is a spotless 4-0 in singles while Alana Lopez Pagan sits at 4-1. Lopez Pagan has teamed up with Mariana Molano for a 3-0 mark at No. 1 doubles this season. Both teams will play the same institutions this weekend as they take on Ottawa University (Kan.), Baker University (Kan.) and the University of Saint Mary (Kan.).
· For additional news and notes on the tennis programs, click the following links: Men | Women.
· This week:
o M/W – Saturday, Feb. 21 vs. Ottawa (Kan.), 10 a.m. (in Grand Island, Neb.).
o M/W – Sunday, Feb. 22 vs. Baker (Kan.), 12 p.m. (in Lawrence, Kan.).
o M/W – Sunday, Feb. 22 vs. Saint Mary (Kan.), 5 p.m. (in Lawrence, Kan.).