Bulldog Athletics Association Member (BAAM) Athletes of the Week
Female: Kierstynn Garner, Soccer
A senior from Kearney, Neb., Kierstynn Garner produced four goals and three assists last week as Concordia defeated Hastings, 2-1, and Waldorf, 10-0. Garner notched a hat trick versus Waldorf and pushed her career goal count to 65, tying her for second on the program’s all-time list. Garner is a Psychology major.
Male: Oliver Benson, Soccer
A junior from Bennington, Neb., Oliver Benson emerged with a goal and an assist in both of last week’s wins – 3-1 at Hastings and 5-0 versus Waldorf. In his career, Benson has tallied seven goals and six assists as a Bulldog. Benson is majoring in Recreation and Sport Studies.
2025-26 BAAM Athletes of the Week
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.
Hall of Fame Class of 2025 officially inducted: There are officially new members of the Concordia Athletics Hall of Fame Class. The induction ceremony took place on Oct. 10 and enshrined the following: Sarah Kortze ’14, Philly Lammers ’20, Courtney Meyer ’65, Randy Pospishil ’73 and the 2014-15 men’s track & field team. To read more details on the 2025 class, click HERE.
Powerlifting competition season underway with home meet: Year four of Concordia Powerlifting has kicked off. Five different Bulldogs broke school records as part of the CUNE Collegiate Powerlifting Meet held inside the Fieldhouse on Oct. 4. Leo Guiza put on a show in the 110kg weight class as he set new program standards for bench press, deadlift and total within his class. Guiza’s total of 750kg shattered the previous record by nearly 50kg. Other record totals for their respective weight classes were turned in by juniors Teya Badger (470kg total at 100kg), Rylee Bentz (392.5kg at 65kg) and Abigail Lockingen (335kg total at 82.5kg) and sophomore Wyatt Hosick (537.5kg total at 67.5kg). Prior to the competition, Head Coach Freddie Myles’ program honored a class of eight seniors. Meanwhile, the weightlifting season is slated to get underway with the Nebraska State Weightlifting Championships in Omaha on Saturday (Oct. 18).For a closer look at the Bulldog powerlifters and weightlifters, check out the season previews linked below.
--Season Previews: Powerlifting | Weightlifting.
Tennis finishes fall season with women’s dual win: A second team dual win of the fall was earned last week (Oct. 7) as Concordia Women’s Tennis breezed past Nebraska Wesleyan University, 6-1, in Lincoln. The Bulldogs dropped only one game on the singles courts while sweeping the Prairie Wolves. Head Coach Lisa Hart’s squad also posted a 6-1 victory over Wartburg College (Iowa), another NCAA Division III institution, on Sept. 6. All fall competitions are now in the books for both Concordia tennis teams. A major highlight came at the ITA NAIA Central-West Regional Championships when Hugo Fuentes and Nick Velders reached the championship match in doubles and finished as the runner up. To keep up with the tennis programs, check out the program homepages linked below.
--Men’s Tennis | Women’s Tennis
Featuring Concordia athletes: The Concordia Athletics website frequently profiles student-athletes and their stories. For two recent features on Bulldog athletes, check out the links below.
--Emery Custer
--Carson Fehlhafer
--Daylon Henson
--Niah Kirchner
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.
Volleyball
· Current record: 16-2, 9-1 GPAC; ranked No. 2 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Lost vs. No. 7 Northwestern, 25-9, 16-25, 25-14, 25-21, on Oct. 10.
o Won vs. Waldorf, 25-23, 25-8, 25-17, on Oct. 11.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The first blemish of the GPAC regular season went on the record this past Friday. Amidst a hyper-charged atmosphere inside Friedrich Arena, seventh-ranked Northwestern defeated No. 2 Concordia in a showdown, 25-9, 16-25, 25-14, 25-21. Head Coach Ben Boldt’s squad then bounced back the next day and defeated Waldorf in straight sets. The weekend results leave the Bulldogs (9-1 GPAC) one game behind Northwestern (10-0 GPAC) in the race for the conference regular season title. In the loss to the Red Raiders, Boldt pinpointed Northwestern’s advantage in serve and pass as major factors in the result. Concordia was outhit by the Red Raiders, .250 to .122. As part of that match, All-American Ashley Keck became the fifth player in program history to reach 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs for a career. For the week, Keck topped the Bulldogs with 24 kills (to go along with 29 digs). In the win over Waldorf, the Bulldogs busted loose offensively and hit .359 in making quick work of the visitors from Forest City, Iowa. In the back row, Emma Brueggemann continues to star – she added 34 more digs this past week. The schedule configuration shifts back to Wednesday-Saturday this week as Concordia prepares for road matchups with Hastings and Dakota Wesleyan. The Bulldogs cruised past the Broncos in straight sets in Seward on Sept. 24.
· 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 Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Hastings (5-15, 2-8 GPAC), 7:30 p.m.
o Saturday, Oct. 18 at Dakota Wesleyan (12-8, 6-4 GPAC), 3 p.m.
Golf
· Final fall semester tournament:
o Men – Placed 4th/8 (303-301–604) at the Nebraska Intercollegiate on Oct. 6-7.
o Women – Placed 3rd/7 (344-323–667) at Nebraska Intercollegiate on Oct. 6-7.
· Men’s Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Women’s Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: The fall seasons are in the books for Head Coach Brett Muller’s programs. Both the men and women wrapped things up for the calendar year 2025 when they played at last week’s Nebraska Intercollegiate (Oct. 6-7) held at Fremont Golf Club in Fremont, Neb. Three individuals earned medals for placing in the top 10: seniors Emery Custer (sixth) and Maddie Lewis (eighth) and freshman Calvin Zabloudil (ninth). With state bragging rights on the line, the Bulldogs placed third out of seven (344-323–667) on the women’s side and fourth out of eight (303-301–604) on the men’s side. The women placed third or better at all five tournaments this fall. Custer led the charge as she earned four top five placements and another top 10 while also picking up two GPAC Golfer of the Week awards. The top three in the women’s lineup based on scoring average have been Custer (79.2), Lewis (83.5) and Savannah McFalls (84.0). As for the men, the fourth place finish at the Nebraska Intercollegiate was the team’s highest finish of the fall. There’s a tight race for top scoring average between the likes of senior Jake Richmond (77.3), Zabloudil (78.1) and Jude Elgert (78.9). The complete spring semester schedule has not yet been announced. However, the 2026 GPAC Championships are set. Both the men’s and women’s conference championships will take place at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D. The men’s event will run April 20-21 with the women to follow April 27-28.
· Up next:
o Spring 2026 season (spring schedule TBA).
Cross Country
· Most recent:
o Men – placed 7th/16 at Holiday Inn Express Classic on Oct. 11.
o Women – placed 14th/17 at Holiday Inn Express Classic on Oct. 11.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | NAIA Polls: Men | Women
· Notable: For the first time this season, the Bulldogs competed on back-to-back Saturdays. At the Holiday Inn Express Classic hosted by Dordt, Concordia placed seventh out of 16 teams on the men’s side and 14th out of 17 teams on the women’s side. However, the place finishes don’t tell the whole story. Head Coach Matt Beisel came away pleased by the large number of personal and season bests achieved in Sioux Center, Iowa. The large field featured NCAA Division I and II runners and a combined nine NAIA teams that are either ranked or receiving votes nationally. The top finishers for the Bulldogs were sophomore Annaka Schlachter (23:09.90 6k time) and junior Trey Robertson (25:23.97 8k time). The place finish for the women’s team was hurt by the absence of top runner Keeli Green, who sat out due to sickness. She is expected back for the next meet. Both Concordia teams are getting major contributions from freshmen, including the seven (combined men and women) that ran in the Gold Division at the Holiday Inn Express Classic (meant for the best 10 runners from each school). Beisel is training his teams with the hopes of them peaking when it matters most. The Blazing Tiger Classic (co-hosted by College of Saint Mary and Doane) is up next and will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25.
· For additional news and notes on the Concordia Cross Country teams, click HERE.
· Up next:
o Saturday, Oct. 25 at Blazing Tiger Classic in Ashland, Neb.
Football
· Current record: 4-1, 4-1 GPAC; receiving votes in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Lost vs. Midland, 60-52 (2 OT), on Oct. 11.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: A chance to get to 5-0 on the season slipped through the Bulldogs’ fingers in their homecoming matchup with rival Midland. Concordia squandered a 38-7 lead and fell in double overtime, 60-52, in another wild affair with the Warriors. The visitors from Fremont took a 45-38 lead late in the fourth quarter thanks to 38 straight points. Quarterback Gideon Stark and the offense responded with a scoring drive that ended with a 13-yard touchdown connection with Max Bartels. In the ensuing overtimes, both teams scored in the first OT before Midland made one last stand to sew up an improbable come-from-behind victory. Warrior quarterback Brodey Johnson fired seven touchdown passes to lead the rally. The Bulldogs were tripped up despite Carlos Collazo rushing for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, the star running back was sidelined for virtually all of the fourth quarter. Stark threw for 294 yards and four touchdowns – all to difference receivers: Maddox Rickertsen, Jonny Puelz, Max Bartels and Adam Van Cleave. Kicker Peyton Atwood nailed a 37-yard field goal and went 7-for-7 on PATs and Braxtyn Koch had three punts downed inside the 20. Concordia’s first touchdown was set up by an interception and 34-yard return to the 2-yard-line by safety Luke Penrod. The Bulldogs will attempt to shake off the program’s first loss in more than a full year this Saturday when they play at Hastings. The Broncos had a bye this past week.
· For details on each week’s matchup, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Oct. 18 at Hastings (3-3, 3-3 GPAC), 1 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
· Current record: 9-1-4, 4-1-2 GPAC; receiving votes in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week:
o Won at Hastings, 2-1, on Oct. 8.
o Won vs. Waldorf, 10-0, on Oct. 11.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The Bulldogs put together the type of week they needed to enhance their chances of winning the GPAC regular season title. Concordia accomplished something none of the current players had experienced when it defeated Hastings, 2-1, in Hastings on Oct. 8. Three days later, the Bulldogs had Waldorf outclassed, 10-0, on Homecoming Saturday. The 2-0 week pushed Concordia to first place in the GPAC standings with 14 points (though most teams in the GPAC have played fewer conference games). In the victory at Hastings, the Bulldogs shook off a ninth-minute goal for the Broncos and equalized in the 20th minute thanks to a goal from Kierstynn Garner (assisted by Savannah Andrews). The contest remained in a 1-1 deadlock until Charli Preister (assisted by Kyana Rios) found the back of the net in the 76th minute. Concordia proceeded to see out the victory while holding the Broncos to three shots on goal. In the stomping of Waldorf, seven Bulldogs got into the goal scoring column, including Garner (three), Rios (two), Abby Haynes (one), Niah Kirchner (one), Sadie Mares (one), Shelby Rugg (one) and Lupe Sanchez (one). Concordia outshot the Warriors, 38-0. Taylor Slaymaker played instrumental role on the back line in the two victories. Through 14 games this season, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents by a combined total of 45-16. Garner leads the way with 16 goals and nine assists in 2025. Next up, Head Coach Nick Smith’s squad will take to the road to play Midland and Dakota Wesleyan.
· For additional news and notes, check out the program’s homepage HERE.
· This week:
o Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Midland (1-10-1, 0-7 GPAC), 7:30 p.m.
o Saturday, Oct. 18 at Dakota Wesleyan (3-2-6, 2-1-3 GPAC), 6 p.m.
Men’s Soccer
· Current record: 6-7, 4-2 GPAC.
· Last week:
o Won at Hastings, 3-1, on Oct. 8.
o Won vs. Waldorf, 5-0, on Oct. 11.
· Links: 2025 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The Bulldogs made a positive move in the standings this past week as they earned a road win over Hastings, 3-1, and a home victory over Waldorf, 5-0. With six GPAC games in the books, Concordia (4-2 GPAC) is currently in fourth place in the league standings with 12 points. In the triumph over the perennially strong Broncos, Head Coach Jason Weides’ squad erased a 1-0 deficit while taking its shots well. A goal apiece came from Jasper Hofland (32’), Kai Olbrich (64’) and Oliver Benson (72’). Benson was also credited with assisting Olbrich’s goal. Offensive opportunities overall were relatively sparse, as evidenced by the nine combined shots on goal. The result meant that Concordia earned a measure of revenge for the loss it endured at the hands of Hastings in the 2024 GPAC Championship Game. Three days later, the Bulldogs returned home and took all drama out of it as five different players found the back of the net: Milo Hegarty (8’), Hugo Garrote (40’), Benson (52’), Hofland (54’) and Olbrich (73’). Ryan Brown and Joe McCarroll picked up two assists apiece. Three different keepers saw action in the shutout. None of them were challenged with even a single shot. This week provides two road challenges as Concordia will play a pair of teams tied for second in the GPAC standings: No. 25 Midland and Dakota Wesleyan (both 4-1-1 in league play).
· For a closer look at this week’s matchups, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· This week:
o Wednesday, Oct. 15 at No. 25 Midland (10-2-2, 4-1-1 GPAC), 5 p.m.
o Saturday, Oct. 18 at Dakota Wesleyan (6-6-1, 4-1-1 GPAC), 4 p.m.
Shooting Sports
· Most recent:
o Placed 4th/17 at Hastings Invite on Oct. 4-5.
· Links: 2025-26 Schedule | Roster
· Notable: In outing No. 5 of the fall semester, the Bulldogs placed fourth high overall out of 17 teams at the Hastings Bronco Invite (Oct. 4-5) held at Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Neb., the same location of the previous week’s Prairie Circuit Conference Championships. Head Coach Dylan Owens’ squad cracked 1,706 targets towards the team scoring, placing behind only William Penn University (1,817), Midland University (1,786) and Iowa Western Community College (1,740). Individually, senior Katie Welker continued an impressive fall by running 100 straight in trap. A native of Hamill, S.D., Welker emerged as the lone female to shoot a perfect score in trap at the Hastings Invite. From an HOA standpoint, it was a tight race between Welker and Devin Harris for the top score among Bulldogs. Harris wound up with a total of 351/400 with Welker on his heels at 350. Of the 18 Concordia athletes in the field, eight shot 300 or better HOA while battling the elements. The HOA total for Harris put him at No. 6 among all athletes in the field at the Hastings Invite. By discipline, the Bulldogs shot team totals of 481 in trap, 466 in skeet, 374 in sporting and 385 in super. Individual leaders by event were Welker in trap (100), Harris and Welker in skeet (96) and Harris in sporting (81) and super (80). Concordia had this past weekend off from competition. However, many Bulldogs lent their services to the Kids & Clays Sporting Clays Tournament at Oak Creek Sporting Club in Brainard, Neb., Oct. 10-11. The final event on the fall slate is the SECC-Beatrice Bobcat Invitational (Oct. 25-26).
· Up next:
o SECC-Beatrice Bobcat Invitational in Lincoln, Neb., Oct. 25-26.