Bulldog Athletics Association Member (BAAM) Athletes of the Week
Female: Ava Greene, Volleyball
A junior from Papillion, Neb., Ava Greene helped the fourth-ranked Bulldogs to wins last week over Doane and Morningside (GPAC quarterfinals). Over those two matches, Greene totaled a combined 14 kills (.440) and seven blocks. Greene is an Exercise Science major.
Male: Brooks Kissinger, Basketball
A junior from Ashland, Neb., Brooks Kissinger was named GPAC Offensive Player of the Week after he starred at the Cattle Classic with a combined 49 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists in two Concordia wins. His 31 points versus Oklahoma City were a career high. Kissinger is a Business Administration major.
2025-26 BAAM Athletes of the Month
October – Kierstynn Garner (soccer) / Adam Van Cleave (football)
September – Carson Fehlhafer (football) / Katie Welker (shooting sports)
2025-26 BAAM Athletes of the Week
Nov. 11 –
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.
26th annual Cattle Classic in the books: The 26th annual Cattle Classic unfolded this past weekend (Nov. 7-8) inside Friedrich Arena. The latest event raised more than 12,000 canned food items and more than $3,000 in cash for local food pantries. On the court, both Bulldog teams went 2-0 against nonconference opponents. All-Cattle Classic team honorees included Brooks Kissinger and Jaxon Stueve on the men’s side and Sammy Leu and Kristin Vieselmeyer on the women’s side.
GPAC postseason play continues this week: GPAC tournaments continue in soccer and volleyball this week. Head Coach Jason Weides’ men’s soccer program will play for a GPAC tournament championship tonight (Nov. 11) as the Bulldogs get set to host Morningside at 7 p.m. Unfortunately, Head Coach Nick Smith’s women’s soccer team fell in heartbreaking fashion, 2-1 (in overtime), at the hands of rival Hastings in the GPAC semifinals. Concordia will wait to see if it receives an at-large bid to nationals. Meanwhile, Head Coach Ben Boldt’s volleyball team is preparing to host Midland at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the GPAC semifinals. With a win, the Bulldogs would advance to play in the title match on Saturday.
Weightlifting/Powerlifting in midst of 2025-26 seasons: Year four of Concordia Powerlifting/Weightlifting is underway. The weightlifting season got started on Oct. 18 with the Iowa-Nebraska State Championships in Ralston, Neb., where the Bulldogs earned the team title. Fifteen Bulldogs contributed to the championship, including five athletes who broke school records. New school standards were set for snatch, clean and jerk and overall total within their respective weight classes by the likes of Evan Fukuhara (79kg), Taylor Hedke (63kg), Enzo Mancini (110kg), Kaiden Mima (65kg) and Abby Nelson (53kg). Hedke (Marysville, Kan.) broke the school record for Q-points, which is a statistical formula to adjust the total weight lifted for body mass. Next on the schedule will be the Virus Weightlifting Finals (Dec. 4-7) in Daytona Beach, Fla. Concordia Powerlifting has also had one meet so far this season. The next powerlifting event is the Central Collegiate Cup Series (Nov. 22-23). For a closer look at Head Coach Freddie Myles’ programs, check out the links below. In another piece of recent news, Myles was recognized as 2025 Iowa-Nebraska Weightlifting State Organization Coach of the Year.
--Season Previews: Powerlifting | Weightlifting.
Well-rounded Van Cleave succeeds in all areas as a student-athlete: It would be easier to start with the things Adam Van Cleave cannot do rather than the many things he can do. You can check off scoring touchdowns as a receiver, running back and kick returner, all feats he’s accomplished this season as a Swiss Army Knife of sorts for the Concordia University, Nebraska Football program. AVC is everything Daberkow wants his program to be about: selfless, driven, a football lover and a witness to Jesus Christ. For a profile of Van Cleave, click HERE.
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.
Cross Country
· Most recent:
o Men – placed 3rd/11 at the 2025 GPAC Championships on Nov. 8.
o Women – placed 5th/12 at the 2025 GPAC Championships on Nov. 8.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | NAIA Polls: Men | Women
· Notable: Two weeks after finishing the regular season at Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Neb., the Bulldogs returned to the same location this past Saturday for the 2025 GPAC Championships. Head Coach Matt Beisel’s squads came away with conference placements of third on the men’s side and fifth on the women’s side. Five Concordia runners placed in the top 15 individually and earned All-GPAC medals: Vaughn Hendrickson (third), Keeli Green (fourth), Trey Roberston (11th), Trevor Kuncl (13th) and Aidan Limback (15th). The lone senior to compete for either the men or women, Kuncl clocked a personal best 8K time of 25:26.77. Green, Hendrickson and Robertson were all repeat all-conference award winners. Hendrickson was the reigning GPAC champion from 2024. The Bulldog men placed in the top three of the GPAC for the fourth straight year while the women’s program has placed top five in the conference in 25 of the GPAC’s 26 years of existence. The men made a strong push for second place, coming up 15 points behind GPAC runner up Dordt (50 points to 65 points). The NAIA has scheduled a selection show for 4 p.m. CT today (Nov. 11) to reveal official national qualifiers. Green and Hendrickson appear to be locks to qualify individually. The Concordia men are hoping to receive an at-large bid and appear at nationals as a team for the first time since 2013. The 2025 NAIA National Championships will take place in Tallahassee, Fla., on Nov. 21.
· For additional news and notes on the Concordia Cross Country teams, click HERE.
· Up next:
o Friday, Nov. 21 at 2025 NAIA Cross Country National Championships in Tallahassee, Fla.
Volleyball
· Current record: 23-2, 14-1 GPAC; ranked No. 4 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Doane, 25-16, 25-15, 25-14, on Nov. 4.
o GPAC Quarterfinals – Won vs. Morningside, 25-15, 25-13, 25-17, on Nov. 8.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: Last week saw the end of the regular season and the beginning of the postseason for the Bulldogs, who have advanced to the GPAC tournament semifinals for the seventh straight year. In the regular season finale, Head Coach Ben Boldt’s squad breezed past Doane in straight sets, outhitting the Tigers, .407 to .122. Ashley Keck led the way with 13 kills while Ava Green posted seven kills (.545) and two blocks in the victory over the Tigers. Four days later, No. 2 seed Concordia welcomed seventh-seeded Morningside to Friedrich Arena and put together another crisp performance while sweeping away the Mustangs. The Bulldogs kept setting the ball to Keck, who starred with 22 kills (.351) and nine digs. In the back row, libero Emma Brueggemann racked up 22 digs and added two aces. Concordia outhit Morningside, .283 to .093. Noteworthy, the latest outing marked the 100th victory for the Bulldog seniors, who have been part of teams that have gone 25-6 (2022), 25-4 (2023), 27-4 (2024) and 23-2 (2025). The .862 winning percentage since the start of 2022 marks the highest in any four-year period in program history. In the GPAC semifinals on Wednesday, Concordia will host 19th-ranked Midland (GPAC’s No. 3 seed) at 7 p.m. The winner will play either top-seeded Northwestern or fourth-seeded Dakota Wesleyan in the GPAC Championship Match on Saturday. The Bulldogs are aiming to reach the title match for a fifth year in a row.
· For a feature on the volleyball senior class, click HERE.
· For additional news and notes on Concordia Volleyball, check out the team’s homepage HERE.
· This week – GPAC Tournament:
o GPAC Semifinals – Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. No. 19 Midland (18-9, 12-4 GPAC), 7 p.m.
o GPAC Championship – Saturday, Nov. 15 vs. TBD, time TBD (if win on Wednesday).
Men’s Soccer
· Current record: 11-8, 7-3 GPAC.
· Last week:
o GPAC Semifinals – Won vs. Briar Cliff, 3-2, on Nov. 7.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: For the second straight year and for the sixth time under Head Coach Jason Weides, the Bulldogs have reached the GPAC Championship Game. The quarterfinal and semifinal rounds were both filled with drama. Following the 1-0 overtime win over Hastings in the quarterfinals, Concordia eked past Briar Cliff, 3-2, in the semifinals. The Bulldogs never led by more than one goal in the back-and-forth clash. The deciding goal occurred in the 84th minute when Ricards Busmeisters converted a penalty kick for his ninth goal of the season. Busmeisters also scored in the 17th minute. Cleme Suarez recorded the team’s other goal when he found the back of the net in the 59th minute. The Chargers had a slight edge in shots (14-13) and in corners (6-2). Under Weides, Concordia won GPAC tournament titles in 2015 and 2022 and was the conference postseason runner up in 2016, 2017 and 2024. Through 19 games, the Bulldogs have totaled 32 goals while having allowed 24 goals. Concordia has turned to Inigo Chavarria at keeper. He owns season statistics of an 0.96 goals against average and .818 save percentage. In today (Nov. 11)’s championship game, the Bulldogs will host Morningside with an automatic bid to the national tournament at stake. Concordia will attempt to avenge its 3-1 loss at Morningside back on Oct. 4.
· For a closer look at this week’s matchups, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· This week – GPAC Tournament:
o GPAC Championship – Tuesday, Nov. 11 vs. Morningside (12-6-2, 6-2-2 GPAC), 7 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
· Current record: 13-2-5, 7-1-3 GPAC; receiving votes in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o GPAC Quarterfinals – Won vs. College of Saint Mary, 3-0, on Nov. 4.
o GPAC Semifinals – Lost vs. Hastings, 2-1 (OT), on Nov. 8.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The Bulldogs were stopped short of a return to the GPAC tournament title game by arch rival Hastings. In this past Saturday’s GPAC semifinal clash in Bulldog Stadium, the Broncos celebrated when Payton Tanner produced the golden goal in the 95th minute, ending the contest with a 2-1 final score. Concordia forced the overtime thanks to Hannah Kile’s goal in the 66th minute. It was a heartbreaking result for the Bulldogs, who owned a 16-9 advantage in shots. Earlier in the week, Concordia advanced via a 3-0 quarterfinal home win over College of Saint Mary. In that game, the Bulldogs jumped on the Flames early and got a goal apiece from Evie Keller (3’), Savannah Andrews (6’) and Taylor Slaymaker (56’). A standout at center back, Slaymaker recorded three goals over a five-game stretch (four career goals in 82 games). At this point, senior Kierstynn Garner (19 goals and 13 assists in 2025) and her fellow classmates will await Friday’s national tournament selection show (scheduled for 6 p.m. CT) to find out if their careers will continue with another appearance on the national stage. In the most recent NAIA RPI release, Concordia landed at No. 37 (No. 86 strength of schedule). Head Coach Nick Smith’s program advanced to the second round of the 2024 national tournament after earning the first national tournament win in program history.
· For additional news and notes, check out the program’s homepage HERE.
· This week:
o No games.
Football
· Current record: 6-3, 6-3 GPAC; receiving votes in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Lost at No. 6 Dordt, 56-20, on Nov. 8.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: In a game the Bulldogs likely had to have for a shot at the NAIA playoffs, Dordt’s rushing attack was too much. The sixth-ranked and unbeaten Defenders rolled up 354 rushing yards and won decisively, 56-20, in snowy Sioux Center, Iowa. Concordia clung within 21-14 in the second quarter before Dordt rattled off the next four touchdowns to run away with it. The scoring plays for the Bulldogs were a 10-yard rush by Gideon Stark (eight-play, 74-yard drive), a three-yard pass play from Stark to tight end Maddox Rickertsen (10-play, 75-yard drive) and an eight-yard pass play from Stark to Jonny Puelz (nine-play, 65-yard drive). Stark went 18-for-36 for 215 yards and two touchdowns (one pick). In the running game, Calvin Sassaman carried the ball 25 times for 72 yards. Concordia was without two of its best offensive playmakers (Carlos Collazo and Adam Van Cleave) and an All-America level nose guard (Carson Fehlhafer). Starting offensive lineman Kadence Velde actually played both ways in an attempt to slow the Dordt rushing attack. Defender running back Daniel Dickerson found the end zone four times. Dordt (9-0, 9-0 GPAC) clinched at least a share of the GPAC title and now prepares for a showdown with Morningside (8-1 GPAC) to finish the regular season. Meanwhile, Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad looks forward to hosting No. 20 Northwestern on senior day. The Bulldogs will attempt to reach the seven-win mark for the third time during Daberkow’s tenure.
· For details on each week’s matchup, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· This week:
o Senior Day – Saturday, Nov. 15 vs. No. 20 Northwestern (6-3, 6-3 GPAC), 1 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
· Current record: 4-0.
· Last week – Cattle Classic:
o Won vs. No. 18 Arizona Christian, 99-63, on Nov. 7.
o Won vs. No. 13 MidAmerica Nazarene, 84-57, on Nov. 8.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The unranked Bulldogs made a statement at the Cattle Classic as they blew out two opponents ranked in the NAIA top 20: No. 18 Arizona Christian University and No. 13 MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.). Concordia was stunningly dominant in winning those games by a combined margin of 183-120. Both foes struggled with the Bulldog press, which contributed to a combined 57 turnovers forced. Concordia also shot the ball impressively – 50.4 percent from the floor, 44.8 percent from 3-point range and 75.8 percent from the foul line. Five different players averaged in double figures for the weekend: Kristin Vieselmeyer (15.0), Sammy Leu (13.0), JJ Jones (12.5), Ayla Roth (11.0) and Bree Bunting (10.5). Vieselmeyer and Leu were named to the All-Cattle Classic team. Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad has moved to 4-0 with the start of GPAC play coming up on Saturday. Through four games, the Bulldogs are averaging an eye-popping 22.0 steals per game. The team leader in that category is Leu with 3.3 thefts per contest. Vieselmeyer has been efficient in averaging 14.8 points on the strength of 66.7 percent (24-for-36) shooting from the field. Concordia is preparing to take on Waldorf in this week’s lone outing.
· For additional news and notes on the women’s basketball program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 15 vs. Waldorf (0-4, 0-0 GPAC), 3 p.m.
Men’s Basketball
· Current record: 3-2.
· Last week – Cattle Classic:
o Won vs. Oklahoma City, 87-76, on Nov. 7.
o Won vs. Clarke, 107-68, on Nov. 8.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The Bulldogs emerged as the top team from the 26th annual Cattle Classic. Head Coach Ben Limback’s squad earned home wins over Oklahoma City University and Clarke University (Iowa) while featuring its perimeter shooting. On day one of the classic, junior guard Brooks Kissinger delighted the crowd with two particularly highlight reel worthy dunks as part of a career-high 31-point performance. Over the two games, Kissinger filled the stat sheet with 49 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists while making 20 of 32 shots from the floor. Kissinger and Jaxon Stueve were named to the All-Cattle Classic team. Concordia knocked down an impressive 23 treys in the win over Clarke. Four 3s apiece came from MJ Coffey, Garret Johnson and Logan Wilson. Over the two games, the Bulldogs outscored their foes by a combined total of 194-144 while shooting 51.8 percent from the floor, 45.3 percent from 3-point range and 76.0 percent from the foul line. Kissinger was inserted into the starting lineup this past weekend. He had missed the season opener due to injury. Concordia is still working on getting Hayden Frank back. Next up, the Bulldogs will host Waldorf on Saturday for the GPAC opener.
· For additional news and notes on the men’s basketball program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 15 vs. Waldorf (3-3, 0-0 GPAC), 4:45 p.m.
Wrestling
· Current dual record: 0-0; ranked No. 16 in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Most recent:
o Competed at Dakota Wesleyan Open on Nov. 8.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA National Rankings
· Notable: Ten Bulldogs represented the program at this past Saturday’s Dakota Wesleyan University Open in Mitchell, S.D. Most notably, Gabe Kant went 5-1 (two pins) and placed third in the heavyweight bracket while Cole Price went 4-2 (pin and two tech falls) and placed sixth at 165 pounds. Two other Concordia grapplers picked up two wins apiece: Barret Brandt (2-2 at 197) and Cal Price (2-2 at 141). Both of Cal Price’s wins came via pin while Brandt notched one of his own. Another five Bulldogs emerged with one victory each at the DWU Open: Stevie Barnes (141), Francisco Mendez (165), Evan Sepanlou (165), Hunter Weimer (174) and Grant Wells (133). The tournament marked the second outing for Kant, Mendez and Cal Price. Head Coach Josh Watt’s competitors combined for 18 wins at the tournament. Next up, Concordia will host Hastings on Thursday for the season’s first dual. The Bulldogs finished last season in a tie for second place in the GPAC standings with a 6-2 league dual record. Included in that mark was a 33-22 win at Hastings.
· For additional news and notes on the wrestling program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Thursday, Nov. 13 vs. Hastings (dual), 7 p.m.