ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Concordia University, Nebraska Competitive Cheer posted scores that rivaled its season best while in action at the 2026 GPAC Championships in Orange City, Iowa, on Friday (March 6). The Bulldogs placed eighth among the eight conference teams. They earned scores of 76.08 in the prelims and 76.95 in the finals for a total score of 76.73.
The result means that the 2026 season has concluded for Head Coach Emilie Ashenbach’s squad. The campaign included eight competitions since kicking it off with the Dordt Invite in late January.
The competition roster at the GPAC Championships featured 10 athletes (listed below). Ashenbach made additions to the competition team late in the season as Alexis Carlen and Bianca Romshek began doubling up along with their participation in dance. Katie Wilson was also pulled back in from the powerlifting team. The two seniors who competed on Friday were Wilson and Ara Maxwell.
The 76.63 achieved by the Bulldogs in the finals of the GPAC Championships marked the team’s third highest score this season. The season best stands as the 77.28 Concordia earned at the Midland Invite. Concordia placed fourth in the GPAC in 2025.
Following the GPAC Championships, the conference announced 2026 all-conference teams. Two Bulldogs were honored as Karmen Fitch landed on the second team and Brinkly Sallach pulled in third team accolades. Both standouts are freshmen. All-GPAC honors are awarded based on judging of individuals that takes place outside of the conference championships. The full all-conference teams can be found HERE.
2026 GPAC Championships Competition Roster:
· Ella Bradley (De Soto, Mo.)
· Alexis Carlen (Staunton, Ill.)
· Giavanna Doyle (Curtis, Neb.)
· Sarah Felten (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
· Karmen Fitch (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Ara Maxwell (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
March 6 – Placed 8th/8 (76.08-prelims; 76.95-finals)
As the GPAC champion, Northwestern earned the GPAC’s automatic bid to the NAIA National Championships, which will be held in Topeka, Kan., March 27-28.