Bulldog Athletics Association Member (BAAM) Athletes of the Week
Male: Hugo Garrote, Soccer
A junior midfielder from Jerez De La Frontera, Spain, Hugo Garrote starred this past week as the Bulldogs earned the No. 3 seed in the GPAC (via a 3-2 win over Doane) and then advanced to the GPAC semifinals (via a 1-0 overtime win over Hastings). Garrote delivered the golden goal versus Hastings on a free kick. He is a Business Administration major.
Female: Kierstynn Garner, Soccer
A senior striker from Kearney, Neb., Kierstynn Garner produced a signature moment as she led the Bulldogs to a dramatic 2-1 win over Doane in the regular season finale. Garner scored both goals, including the game winner with 11 seconds remaining. The victory sewed up the league’s No. 2 seed. Garner is a Psychology major.
2025-26 BAAM Athletes of the Week
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 set for Nov. 7-8: The 26th annual Cattle Classic is slated to play out on Nov. 7-8 inside Friedrich Arena. The event, co-sponsored by Concordia and Cattle Bank & Trust, raises money and food for the Blue Valley Community Action's Food Pantry. Pac N Save of Seward will match all canned food donations. A total of eight basketball games will be played over the two-day event. For more details on the Cattle Classic, click HERE.
Weightlifting/Powerlifting seasons underway: 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.
Women’s Soccer
· Current record: 12-1-5, 7-1-3 GPAC; receiving votes in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Doane, 2-1, on Oct. 29.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: A dramatic conclusion to the regular season allowed the Bulldogs to secure the No. 2 seed for the GPAC tournament that gets underway this week. In the only outing of last week, Concordia stared down a 1-0 deficit at home versus Doane through 80 minutes. That’s when Kierstynn Garner emerged as the hero. She evened up the game with a goal in the 81st minute. Later, as the final seconds were ticking away, Garner shielded a defender from a pass delivered by Savannah Andrews, dribbled to the top of the box and fired a shot into the back of the net for the game winner. The Bulldogs won, 2-1, and avoided slipping to fourth place in the league standings. The goals marked the 18th and 19th this season for Garner, who has tallied 68 goals over her legendary career. Assists went to Lupe Sanchez and Andrews. It took late game drama despite Concordia owning a 19-2 shot advantage over the rival Tigers. As the No. 2 seed, Head Coach Nick Smith’s squad will host seventh-seeded College of Saint Mary tonight (Nov. 4). The winner will advance to Saturday’s semifinal round to play either Hastings or Dakota Wesleyan. With a win over CSM, the Bulldogs would remain at home to host in the semis. The championship game is set for Wednesday, Nov. 12 (highest remaining seed hosts). In program history, Concordia has celebrated GPAC tournament titles in 2014, 2016 and 2020.
· For additional news and notes, check out the program’s homepage HERE.
· This week – GPAC Tournament:
o GPAC Quarterfinals – Tuesday, Nov. 4 vs. College of Saint Mary (6-11-1, 5-5-1 GPAC), 6 p.m.
o GPAC Semifinals – Saturday, Nov. 8 vs. Hastings/Dakota Wesleyan, 6 p.m. (if win on Tuesday)
Men’s Soccer
· Current record: 10-8, 7-3 GPAC.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Doane, 3-2, on Oct. 29.
o Won vs. Hastings, 1-0 (OT), on Nov. 1 | GPAC Quarterfinals.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: It was a week filled with tension as the Bulldogs found ways to win two games that were in doubt until the final whistle. Head Coach Jason Weides’ squad wrapped up the regular season with a 3-2 home win over Doane. Three days later, the postseason began with the conference quarterfinals as Concordia broke the heart of arch nemesis Hastings via a 1-0 victory via golden goal in overtime. The game winner that sent the Bulldogs to the GPAC semifinals was delivered on a free kick from 30 yards out by Hugo Garrote. In the win over Doane, a goal apiece was produced by Sam Hamilton (20’), Jasper Hofland (47’) and Ricards Busmeisters (79’). It was another strong week for goalkeeper Inigo Chavarria, who made a combined 10 saves and earned credit for a shutout versus Hastings. For the first time in program history, Concordia defeated the Broncos twice in a single season. Due to No. 7 seed Briar Cliff upsetting No. 2 seed Midland, the Bulldogs will host again in the semifinals. Concordia and Briar Cliff will square off at 2 p.m. CT on Friday. In the regular season, the Bulldogs squeaked past the Chargers, 1-0, on Sept. 27. The winner will advance to the GPAC Championship Game next Tuesday (Nov. 11) and will play either fourth-seeded Morningside or eighth-seeded Mount Marty. In the 11 games Concordia has played against GPAC opponents, it has outscored them by a combined tally of 22-12. Weides previously led the program to GPAC tournament titles in 2015 and 2022.
· For a closer look at this week’s matchups, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· This week – GPAC Tournament:
o GPAC Semifinals – Friday, Nov. 7 vs. Briar Cliff (8-7-3, 4-4-2 GPAC), 2 p.m.
o Find GPAC tournament pairings HERE.
Football
· Current record: 6-2, 6-2 GPAC; receiving votes in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Briar Cliff, 34-17, on Nov. 1.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The month of November kicked off with a victory as the Bulldogs handled their business at home by defeating Briar Cliff, 34-17. In the win, Concordia did not commit a single turnover and bullied the Chargers to the tune of 233 rushing yards. Junior running back Calvin Sassaman enjoyed a career day as he toted the rock 29 times for 152 yards and a touchdown. Three other Bulldogs also found the end zone on the ground: Adam Van Cleave, Tyler Douglass and Nixon Ligouri. Kicker Peyton Atwood accounted for the rest of the team’s points. He knocked through field goals from 38 and 20 yards, respectively. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad finished with 420 total yards. Defensively, Concordia forced two turnovers with one coming on an interception by Blake Mosenteen and another via a fumble forced by Luke Penrod and recovered by Will Potratz (who returned it 48 yards and set up Douglass’ touchdown). Quarterback Gideon Stark went 19-for-39 for 187 yards through the air. Max Bartels snagged seven receptions for 89 yards. The Bulldogs again played without two major stars in running back Carlos Collazo and nose guard Carson Fehlhafer. At 6-2, the Bulldogs have kept postseason hopes alive. Opportunities for quality wins come the next two weeks as Concordia takes on No. 6 Dordt (away) and No. 23 Northwestern (home). The Bulldogs are 6-2 after eight games for the second year in a row.
· For details on each week’s matchup, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 8 at No. 6 Dordt (8-0, 8-0 GPAC), 1 p.m.
Volleyball
· Current record: 21-2, 14-1 GPAC; ranked No. 4 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won at No. 19 Midland, 20-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 15-9, on Nov. 1.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The final week of the 2025 regular season has arrived for the fourth-ranked Bulldogs, who will be the No. 2 seed in the upcoming GPAC tournament. This past Saturday, Concordia went on the road and earned the reverse sweep of No. 19 Midland. It was just the second time this season that the Bulldogs went down 2-0 in a match. They responded to the deficit with strong attacking play (.288 hitting percentage) and 17 blocks. Junior middle Ava Greene contributed to 13 of those blocks. Meanwhile, Ashley Keck filled the stat sheet with 18 kills, 18 digs and five blocks. At setter, Savannah Shelburne posted 25 assists, 10 digs and four aces (out of nine for the team). Another four Concordia players chipped in with at least eight kills: Molli Martin (12), Ella Waters (12), Greene (eight) and Kya Scott (eight). The Bulldogs earned a season sweep of the rival Warriors (16-9, 11-4 GPAC), who will be the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament. Head Coach Ben Boldt’s squad will close the regular season on Tuesday by hosting Doane. Concordia could still earn a share of the GPAC regular season title, but it would need a win coupled with a Northwestern loss to Waldorf. No matter Tuesday’s results, the Bulldogs will be back at home on Saturday night to host the No. 7 seed (TBD) in the GPAC quarterfinals. Complete pairings will be announced once all regular season matches have concluded on Tuesday.
· 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:
o Tuesday, Nov. 4 vs. Doane (12-18, 3-12 GPAC), 7:30 p.m.
o GPAC Quarterfinals – Saturday, Nov. 8 vs. TBD, 7:30 p.m.
Cross Country
· Most recent:
o Men – placed 6th/26 at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic on Oct. 25.
o Women – placed 9th/27 at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic on Oct. 25.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | NAIA Polls: Men | Women
· Notable: The best performances of the season so far came in the final regular season outing for the Bulldogs, who posted place finishes of sixth out of 26 on the men’s side and ninth out of 27 on the women’s side at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic co-hosted by College of Saint Mary and Doane. The field was made up exclusively of NAIA programs and included a combined seven NAIA top 25 teams. Four Concordia runners emerged with t-shirts in recognition of top 25 individual placements: Keeli Green (third), Vaughn Hendrickson (third), Trey Robertson (15th) and Aidan Limback (22nd). Hendrickson has returned to the form he showed last year as a freshman sensation. At the meet in Ashland, Neb., Hendrickson clocked an 8k time of 24:49.43 and was the top GPAC place finisher. On the women’s side, Green was the top GPAC competitor as she ran the 6k in 21:34.52 (personal best). Both the men’s and women’s teams defeated two opponents that were among the “receiving votes” teams in the most recent NAIA coaches’ polls. The outing at Mahoney State Park will lead Head Coach Matt Beisel’s squads into the 2025 GPAC Championships set for this Saturday when the Bulldogs will be right back in Ashland. Concordia came away from the 2024 GPAC Championships with place finishes of third on the men’s side and fourth on the women’s side. Hendrickson is the reigning men’s GPAC champion. Meanwhile, Green placed third in the conference as a freshman in 2023.
· For additional news and notes on the Concordia Cross Country teams, click HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2025 GPAC Cross Country Championships in Ashland, Neb.
Wrestling
· Current dual record: 0-0; ranked No. 19 in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Most recent:
o Competed at Friends Falcon Open on Nov. 1.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA National Rankings
· Notable: The 2025-26 season officially got underway this past Saturday at the Falcon Open hosted by Friends University. Sixteen Bulldogs took part in the tournament, which was staged at Park City Arena in Park City, Kan. (site of the NAIA National Championships). The young group of wrestlers that Head Coach Josh Watts traveled to Kansas combined for 16 wins. Three Bulldogs placed within the top eight of their respective weight classes: Aaron Wilson (157), Simon Arredondo (165) and Gabe Kant (285). Arredondo (4-2), Wilson (3-2) and Kant (2-2) won multiple matches at the Falcon Open, and so too did Bryce Karlin (2-2 at 141) and Kaden Gutsch (2-2 at 149). In a noteworthy match, Kant lost a tight 14-11 tussle with NAIA 12th-ranked Emmett Bivens of Wayland Baptist University (Texas). Three additional Concordia competitors claimed one win on the day: Cal Price (141), Francisco Mendez (165) and Ramon Arredondo (184). Many of the top Bulldogs have yet to open their season. In the NAIA’s preseason rankings, Concordia landed at No. 19 as a team and placed six individuals within the national rankings. Next up, the Bulldogs will compete at this Saturday’s Dakota Wesleyan Open.
· For additional news and notes on the wrestling program, click HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Nov. 8 at Dakota Wesleyan Open, 9 a.m.
Men’s Basketball
· Current record: 1-2.
· Last week:
o Won at Tabor, 85-60, on Oct. 31.
o Lost vs. Wayland Baptist, 75-72, on Nov. 1.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: In week two of the 2025-26 season, the Bulldogs ventured on the road again and went 1-1 at the Tabor College Classic in Hillsboro, Kan. Head Coach Ben Limback’s squad earned an 85-60 win over host Tabor on day one of the event before falling by a 75-72 score at the hands of Wayland Baptist University (Texas) on day two. In the win over Tabor, Concordia ran away with it while draining 15 treys, including three apiece from Tyler Harre, Garret Johnson, Zac Kulus and Tate Odvody. A transfer from NCAA Division II Colorado Christian College, Odvody posted a game high 21 points. Kulus added 18 points and Johnson contributed nine off the bench. The next day, the rally from 10 points down fell short versus the Pioneers. Brooks Kissinger and Dane Jacobsen supplied 17 and 15 points, respectively, and Odvody notched 10. Kissinger returned quickly from an injury that occurred during the preseason. In the loss, the Bulldogs cooled from 3-point range (6-for-27). Concordia will make its first home appearance of the season as part of this weekend’s Cattle Classic. The Bulldogs are scheduled to take on Oklahoma City University and Clarke University (Iowa) inside Friedrich Arena.
· For additional news and notes on the men’s basketball program, click HERE.
· This week – 26th annual Cattle Classic:
o Friday, Nov. 7 vs. Oklahoma City (2-0), 6 p.m.
o Saturday, Nov. 8 vs. Clarke (1-2), 2 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
· Current record: 2-0.
· Last week:
o Won at Graceland, 80-59, on Oct. 28.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: Only one countable contest took place this past week as Head Coach Drew Olson’s squad moved to 2-0 with an 80-59 road win over Graceland University (Iowa). In that outing in Lamoni, Iowa, the Bulldogs dominated the final three quarters after a tight first quarter. Concordia forced 28 turnovers and got double figure scoring outings from Kristin Vieselmeyer (19), Bree Bunting (15) and Raelyn Kelty (10). Kelty added 15 rebounds, six steals and four assists to her stat line. Defensively, Sammy Leu swiped five steals and Gabrielle Wagner and Ayla Roth recorded four thefts apiece. Twelve Concordia players saw action in the victory. The season to date also includes a 117-28 home win over Kansas Christian College. Through two games, the Bulldogs have been led in scoring by the likes of Vieselmeyer (14.5), Bunting (12.0) and Roth (10.5). The level of competition will ramp up this week as Concordia gets set to welcome No. 18 Arizona Christian University and No. 13 MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.) to Friedrich Arena for the 26th annual Cattle Classic.
· For additional news and notes on the women’s basketball program, click HERE.
· This week – 26th annual Cattle Classic:
o Friday, Nov. 7 vs. No. 18 Arizona Christian (0-2), 4 p.m.
o Saturday, Nov. 8 vs. No. 13 MidAmerica Nazarene (2-0), 12 p.m.