HASTINGS, Neb. – Lynn Farrell Arena on the Hastings College campus served as the venue for the 2018 GPAC Cheer and Dance Championships on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 10). Among seven teams in the cheer competition, Concordia University placed fourth with a score of 59.88. Meanwhile, the dance team finished eight out of nine squads with a score of 63.50. The Bulldog cheer and dance programs are led by second-year head coach Mandi Maser.
Said Maser, “I am really proud of our teams today. Both cheer and dance performed routines that had zero deductions. Our kids have worked so hard leading up to the GPAC championships.”
The Concordia dance team had already beaten conference foes Dordt, Jamestown and Northwestern in earlier competitions this season. On the other hand, the Bulldog cheer squad was coming off a dual victory over Northwestern one week ago. Though both programs appear regularly at many Concordia home sporting events, their competition seasons officially began on Jan. 20.
The cheer squads are captained by junior Kennedy Garner and senior Kathie Nguyen. Junior Neleigh Lehr serves as captain for Bulldog dance.
Next up for both programs is the NAIA North Qualifier hosted by Morningside on Feb. 23. The NAIA cheer and dance national championships will take place in Oklahoma City, Okla., March 8-10.