FREMONT, Neb. – Concordia University, Nebraska Competitive Cheer is finding its form at the appropriate time. In action at the Midland Invite on Saturday (Feb. 21), the Bulldogs placed third out of five teams with a season-high score of 77.28. Concordia defeated the likes of Hastings and York University.
The outing marked the seventh routine the Bulldogs have been judged on this 2026 season. Head Coach Emilie Ashenbach’s squad has made major strides since the season opener on Jan. 24.
“It was another great competition weekend for us,” Ashenbach said. “We added new choreography and skills, keeping the judges on their toes. We went into this competition with a goal of placing third, and our team did just that. Now we turn our focus toward GPAC in two weeks.”
The roster number jumped to 10 athletes for Concordia at the Midland Invite. Bianca Romshek even pulled double duty in competing in both cheer and dance in Fremont. Powerlifter Katie Wilson also joined in and helped fortify a competition roster that includes five freshmen.
The team’s score of 77.28 achieved at the Midland Invite eclipsed the previous season best of 77.0 earned at the Concordia Invite on Feb. 7. The team’s average entering the weekend was 65.6.
Midland Invite Competition Roster
· Ella Bradley (De Soto, Mo.)
· Giavanna Doyle (Curtis, Neb.)
· Sarah Felten (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
· Karmen Fitch (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Ara Maxwell (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Adelyn Opp (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Bianca Romshek (Bellwood, Neb.)
· Brinkly Sallach (Red Oak, Iowa)
· Sophia Schneider (Wichita, Kan.)
· Katie Wilson (Cozad, Neb.)
2026 Competitions
Jan. 24 – Placed 8th/8 (51.8) at Dordt Invite
Jan. 30 – Placed 7th/7 (60.16) at KWU Classic
Feb. 6 – Placed 8th/12 (67.85) at York Crown Classic
Feb. 7 – Placed 3rd/8 (77.00) at Concordia Invite
Feb. 13 – Placed 9th/10 (66.00) at Northwestern Invite (Day 1)
Feb. 14 – Placed 6th/9 (70.80) at Northwestern Invite (Day 2)
Feb. 21 – Placed 3rd/5 (77.28) at Midland Invite
The Concordia Cheer & Dance teams will have next week off from competition as they prepare to compete at the conference championships. The 2026 GPAC Championships will be staged at Northwestern with cheer on March 6 and dance on March 7. Last season, the Bulldogs placed fourth in both cheer and dance.