SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – The Concordia University Competitive Cheer team will return home with a trophy. The Bulldogs captured first place at the Dordt Invite on Saturday (Feb. 17) while beating out a field of eight teams in Sioux Center, Iowa. Concordia earned a score of 80.9 in what marked its fifth event of the 2024 competition season.
Head Coach Emilie Ashenbach led the Bulldogs to their first invite championship of the season. They had placed as high as third at the York Invite roughly a week earlier.
“I am thrilled to announce that the cheer team has secured first place out of eight teams at the Dordt Invite,” Ashenbach said. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of our team. While we celebrate this victory, our focus now shifts to the next challenge ahead. We’re determined to elevate our routine, making it even more technically impressive and challenging as we prepare for GPAC/regionals. The grind continues, and we’re ready to push ourselves to new heights of excellence.”
Concordia has now scored in the 80s in four of its five routines this season. The Bulldogs had posted a school record of 84.13 in last week’s dual win over William Woods University (Mo.). The competition roster remained the same as it included 10 Concordia athletes. Among them are senior leaders Bre Romero and Shelby Timmerman.
Saturday competition roster:
· LaCole Anno (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Kaitlyn Foley (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Bri Hoyle (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Kaylnn Jeardoe (Beatrice, Neb.)
· Lexi Mack (Wilber, Neb.)
· Ara Maxwell (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Bre Romero (Elmwood, Neb.)
· Lauryn Stanley (Big Spring, Neb.)
· Mya Stover (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Shelby Timmerman (Clatonia, Neb.)
2024 competition results
1/20 – 83.30 (dual vs. Hastings)
1/27 – Placed 2nd at CIT
2/9 – 75.02 (3rd out of 14 at York Invite)
2/10 – 80.47 (dual vs. Columbia)
2/10 – 84.13 (dual vs. William Woods)
2/17 – 80.9 (1st out of 8 at Dordt Invite)
The Bulldogs will have time to hone their routine before competing at the 2024 GPAC Championships/NAIA Qualifier on March 8-9. The dance competition will take place on day one before cheer takes the stage on day two. Once again, Doane will host the conference championships inside the Haddix Center.