Bulldog Athletic Association Member (BAAM) Athletes of the Week
Male: Kai Olbrich, Soccer
A senior from Bennington, Neb., recorded one of Concordia’s two goals in its 2-0 home win last week over Bellevue (Olbrich’s 10th career goal). Over the past week’s action, Olbrich put two shots on frame as the Bulldogs continued a challenging nonconference slate. Olbrich is a Journalism and Public Relations major.
Female: Laynee Baker, Volleyball
A sophomore from Omaha, Neb., Laynee Baker put together a strong weekend at the College of Saint Mary Labor Day Classic as she produced 25 kills while hitting .475. She also added eight blocks as part of a 3-0 weekend for the third-ranked Bulldogs. Baker is studying Early Childhood Education.
2026-27 BAAM Athletes of the Week
Sept. 1 – Myla Emery, Volleyball / Gideon Stark, Football
Aug. 25 – Shandy Fa’ali’i, Volleyball / Sean Stratman, Men’s 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.
Ballfield Project announced to public on July 10: Over the summer, Concordia University, Nebraska went public with the Shine Forth Campaign, an initiative that includes the hybrid baseball-softball Ballfield Project. Concordia continues to seek funding for the project, which will bring a state-of-the-art facility to the east part of campus. For more details on the Ballfield Project, check out the article that first appeared in the Broadcaster magazine HERE.
Concordia Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026: The Concordia Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2026 was revealed to the public on July 21. The new inductees will include R. John Buuck ’58, Kristen (Conahan) Vogt ’14, Bret Walter ’96, Nolan Zikas ’19 and the 2015-16 women’s track & field team. The class will be officially inducted as part of a ceremony on Sept. 18 in conjunction with homecoming weekend on campus. For more details on the Hall of Fame, click HERE.
--For additional details on homecoming weekend, click HERE.
Concordia Athletics features: The Concordia Athletics website regularly spotlights Bulldog student-athletes, teams and alums with detailed profiles and feature articles. Check out the links below for a follow-up on Gideon Stark’s record-breaking performance versus Waldorf and for a look at how the volleyball program continues to succeed after retooling the roster.
--Gideon Stark follow up
--Volleyball featured on NAIA website
Bulldog Coaches Show airs every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. CT: The Bulldog Coaches Show has returned for a 12th 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 2026-27 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 and basketball. Eric Allgood will be the primary voice for volleyball.
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. Starting in 2026-27, Concordia broadcasts are simulcast with the GPAC Network and Urban Edge Network.
Cross Country
· Last week:
o Placed 6th/33 on the men’s side and 10th/28 on the women’s side at the Augustana Twilight on Sept. 4.
· Links: 2026 Schedule | Roster | NAIA Ratings: Men | Women
· Notable: Late this past Friday night, the Bulldogs opened their 2026 season at the Augustana Twilight in Sioux Falls, S.D. The field of more than 800 runners (men and women combined) battled intense heat while running 5k races at Yankton Trail Park. The first college race went off at 9:45 p.m. CT. Head Coach Matt Beisel’s squads came away with place finishes of sixth/33 on the men’s side and 10th/28 on the women’s side. Both teams finished second to Doane among GPAC/NAIA schools present at the event, which also featured runners from all divisions of the NCAA and from junior colleges. The team’s top performers were senior Trey Robertson (45th place; 15:42.1 5k time) on the men’s side and freshman Hope Beck (41st place; 18:42.3 5k time) on the women’s side. The men’s top three were all returning GPAC All-Conference runners with Robertson followed by senior Aidan Limback and junior Vaughn Hendrickson. For the women, four of the top five were freshmen with sophomore Ashley Robertson also in the mix at the top of the Concordia pack. The results were about what Beisel had hoped for from Bulldog teams that believe they have improved from last season. Both Concordia squads were pegged third in the GPAC preseason polls. The Bulldogs will have this week off from competition while looking forward to running at the Green-Dirksen Invite on Saturday, Sept. 19.
· For additional news and notes on the Concordia Cross Country teams, click HERE.
· Up next:
o Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Greeno-Dirksen Invite (Mahoney Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb.), 10 a.m.
Men’s Soccer
· Current record: 1-4.
· Last week:
o Won vs. Bellevue University, 2-0, on Sept. 2.
o Lost at No. 4 William Penn University, 2-0, on Sept. 5.
o Lost at No. 17 Grand View University, 3-1, on Sept. 7.
· Links: 2026 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: The Bulldogs have played three times since last week’s report, continuing a grueling nonconference schedule. Over the past week, Head Coach Bernie Ochoa’s squad has gone up against a perennial national qualifier in Bellevue University (2-0 win) and two squads that have played in an NAIA national championship game over the past two seasons: No. 4 William Penn University (2-0 loss) and No. 17 Grand View University (3-1 loss). The matchup with the in-state Bruins marked Ochoa’s first win as head coach. In the home victory, a goal apiece was delivered by Hugo Garrote (30’) and Kai Olbrich (64’). Goalkeeper Florian Quast made five saves and was credited with a clean sheet. In road trips to Iowa, the Bulldogs competed closely for the majority of the 90 minutes with 2024 national runner up William Penn and 2025 national champion Grand View. Concordia got on the board late at Grand View with an 81st-minute goal from Karlo Rodriguez. He became the team’s fourth different goal scorer of the season. Through five outings, five players have started each game: Garrote, Lucas Montino, Sebastian Montino, Niko Nareike and Olbrich. The Bulldogs will have a much-needed break in the middle of this week as they shift focus to Saturday’s short road trip to York University (3-0). The Panthers are coached by former Bulldog GA, Benny Hanaphy. It will mark the final nonconference match of the 2026 regular season.
· For a closer look at this week’s matchups, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· This week:
o Saturday, Sept. 12 at York University, 4:30 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
· Current record: 0-2-1.
· Last week:
o Tied Bellevue University, 1-1, on Sept. 2.
· Links: 2026 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: Intense heat has followed the Bulldogs throughout the season’s first three games. With the heat index hovering into triple digits last week, Concordia drew with in-state Bellevue University, 1-1, in its home opener. Head Coach Jason Weides’ squad got just a bit healthier as Abby Haynes and McKennah West made their season debuts. The Bulldogs were limited to just two shots by the Bruins. However, Concordia made one of those shots count when sophomore Guadalupe Sanchez got loose for a goal in the 46th minute for her ninth career goal. She was assisted by returning all-conference midfielder Kyana Rios. Bellevue, despite advantages of 13-2 in shots and 9-0 in corner kicks, went until the 46th minute until it equalized via a goal from Katrina Avila. Junior Aliya Vidro got the start in goal for the Bulldogs and made five saves. Prior to playing the Bruins (2-0-1), Concordia had gone 10 days since its most recent game action. The Bulldogs dropped two games in their season opening road trip to Oklahoma (Aug. 20, 22). Weides expects to add additional reinforcements with University of Nebraska-Lincoln transfer Kianna Perez waiting to be cleared to play by the NAIA eligibility center. Concordia will wrap up nonconference play this week as it travels to Kansas Wesleyan University (coached by former Bulldog GA Michael McIntyre) on Wednesday before hosting Dakota State University (S.D.). The program will honor its senior class on Saturday.
· For additional news and notes, check out the program’s homepage HERE.
· This week:
o Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Kansas Wesleyan University, 5 p.m.
o Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Dakota State University, 1 p.m. (Senior Day).
Football
· Current record: 1-0; receiving votes in NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Most recent:
o Won vs. Waldorf, 77-7, on Aug. 29.
· Links: 2026 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: It was a record-breaking kickoff to the 100th season in football program history. The Bulldogs set a new school standard for points in a single game while pummeling Waldorf, 77-7, inside a steamy Bulldog Stadium. Other new program standards were set by Gideon Stark with eight touchdown passes, Jonny Puelz with four receiving touchdowns and the offense with 681 total yards (GPAC era standard). Stark (GPAC Offensive Player of the Week) threw all eight of his touchdown passes in the game’s first 37 minutes before giving way to Camden Jensen at quarterback. The previous record for touchdown passes in a game was five by DJ McGarvie in 2024 and Phil Seevers in 1988. The team point total broke the previous record of 67 points by the 1935 and 1936 teams. Stark’s touchdown tosses (in order) covered six yards to Puelz, 25 yards to Carter Skleba, four yards to Collin Fritton, 33 yards to Dustin Kapke, four yards to Puelz, 22 yards to Adam Van Cleave and then five – and five again – yards to Puelz. The running game was paced by Carlos Collazo (86 yards and two touchdowns) and freshman Dylan Mika (112 yards and a touchdown). Concordia broke in five new starters on the offensive line (though left tackle Derek Campbell is expected back soon). Defensively, the Bulldogs held Waldorf to just 126 total yards. Safety Kaden Thompson picked off two passes and two sacks apiece were notched by Deegan Barnes and Tanner Schroder. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad had a bye last week while preparing to travel to Hastings this Saturday.
· For details on each week’s matchup, check out the game notes linked HERE.
· Next up:
o Saturday, Sept. 12 at Hastings, 1 p.m.
Golf
· Most recent:
o Men – Placed 5th/13 (301-314–615) at the Mount Marty Invite on Aug. 31-Sept. 1.
o Women – Placed 2nd/13 (335-318–653) at the Mount Marty Invite on Aug. 24-25.
· Men’s Links: 2026-27 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Women’s Links: 2026-27 Schedule | Roster | Statistics
· Notable: The Bulldogs started strong on the women’s side, placing second out of 13 full groupings at the Mount Marty Invite back on Aug. 24-25. Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad carded a total of 335-318–653 and broke school records for 18-hole and 36-hole scores. Leading the way individually, graduate student Maddie Lewis (82-74–156) and sophomore Olivia James (82-81–163) placed fourth and eighth, respectively, on the individual tournament leaderboard. The rest of the ‘A’ team lineup included sophomore Amelia Ptacnik (86-80–166; 12th) and juniors Savannah McFalls (85-83–168; 18th) and Makenzie Hughes (90-91–181; 42nd). Meanwhile, the ‘B’ team was paced by freshman Mia Ochsner (94-92–186; 46th). On the men’s side, Concordia got its 2026-27 season started at the Mount Marty Invite on Aug. 31-Sept. 1. The A team shot 301-314–615 (+39) and placed fifth out of 13 groupings. Sophomore Calvin Zabloudil put together a fine couple of days as he shot 70-75–145 and tied for third in a field of more than 70 golfers. The A lineup also featured a pair of top-20 finishers in senior Jude Elgert (76-79–155) and sophomore Tyler Weismann, both of whom shot identical scores and tied for 20th. The grouping was rounded out by freshman Wyatt Groves (79-81–160; T-41st) and sophomore Michael Koenig (98-84–182; 70th). The Bulldogs will be active in the middle of this week with the men set to host the Blue River Classic and the women primed to play at the Siouxland Invite. The women got started with round one on Tuesday morning.
· Up next:
o Men – Sept. 9-10 at Blue River Classic (co-hosted with Doane at Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb.); will then play on Sept. 14-15 at the Siouxland Invite co-hosted by Dordt and Northwestern.
o Women – Sept. 8-9 at Siouxland Invite in Orange City/Sioux Center, Iowa.
Volleyball
· Current record: 9-2; ranked No. 3 in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
· Last week (CSM Labor Day Classic):
o Won vs. Lindsey Wilson University, 25-10, 30-28, 26-24, on Sept. 4.
o Won vs. Ottawa University, 25-23, 25-17, 17-25, 25-13, on Sept. 4.
o Won vs. University of Saint Francis, 25-19, 25-16, 25-16, on Sept. 5.
· Links: 2026 Schedule | Roster | Statistics | NAIA Coaches’ Poll
· Notable: Another nonconference event filled the weekend as the third-ranked Bulldogs went 3-0 at the College of Saint Mary Labor Day Classic. Concordia posted wins over Lindsey Wilson University (Ky.) (three sets), Ottawa University (Kan.) (four sets) and University of Saint Francis (Ind.) (three sets). Seven of the Bulldogs’ first eight opponents were 2025 national qualifiers, but the three foes in Omaha missed out on the national tournament last season. Concordia took care of business while owning collective statistical advantages in kills, 133-96, hitting percentage, .265 to .109, aces, 22-12, and digs, 125-121. Blocks were even at 18-18. The individual statistical leaders over the weekend were Shandy Fa’ali’i in kills (35) and digs (22), Laynee Baker in hitting percentage (.475), Myla Emery in assists (57), Kyla Griess in aces (five) and Bella Hedke in blocks (10). Emery and fellow setter Ella Brueggemann distributed the ball effectively as five Bulldogs notched at least 15 kills at CSM: Fa’ali’i, Baker (25), Makenna Starkey (22), Samantha Kimbell (20) and Hedke (15). In the NAIA national poll released on Sept. 2, Concordia remained at No. 3. The rest of the top five includes No. 1 Eastern Oregon University, No. 2 Northwestern, No. 4 Corban University (Ore.) and No. 5 McPherson College (Kan.). The Bulldogs are now gearing up to host No. 16 Midland and College of Saint Mary (receiving votes nationally) in their opening week of GPAC play. Fans are encouraged to wear white on Wednesday night.
· For additional news and notes on Concordia Volleyball, check out the team’s homepage HERE.
· This week:
o Wednesday, Sept. 9 vs. No. 16 Midland (8-3, 0-0 GPAC), 7:30 p.m.
o Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. College of Saint Mary (11-3, 1-0 GPAC), 3 p.m.
Shooting Sports
· Most recent:
o Placed 4th/11 at Fort Hays State Fall Intercollegiate Shoot on Aug. 29-30.
· Links: 2026-27 Schedule | Roster
· Notable: The 2026-27 season opened the weekend of Aug. 29-30 at the Fort Hays State Intercollegiate Shoot. Head Coach Dylan Owens’ Bulldogs placed fourth overall out of 11 teams while cracking 1,980 targets towards the team leaderboard. The top three teams HOA were Fort Hays State University (2,098), Iowa Western Community College (2,081) and William Penn University (2,073). Concordia sophomore Delayna Rife started strong while leading the team with a 97 in trap. Now the program’s graduate assistant coach, Katie Welker-Luetje picked up where she left off as a senior in 2025-26 when she won national titles in HOA and open doubles trap. At the season opening Fort Hays State Shoot, Welker-Luetje took first place in sporting clays with a score of 93. The Hamill, S.D., native also placed second HOA among women while leading Concordia with a total of 406 (out of 450 targets). Also a grad student, returning All-American Devin Harris cracked 400 (404) and sophomore Jerry Kaibel (397) pushed that mark. While Welker-Luetje led the way in sporting and Rife did the same in trap, the Bulldogs were paced by Kaibel in super sporting (90), Harris in doubles trap (93) and Harris and Welker-Luetje in doubles skeet (45). A total of 19 Bulldogs represented the program at the Fort Hays State Shoot. Concordia had last week off from competition and will remain idle this week before taking part in the Midland Warrior Open on Sept. 19-20.
· Up next:
o Midland Warrior Open at Lincoln Trap & Skeet Club in Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 19-20.