SALINA, Kan. – Major gains were made by Concordia University, Nebraska Competitive Cheer in the six days since its previous competition. The Bulldogs earned a score of 60.16 at Friday (Jan. 30)’s Coyote Classic hosted by Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan. Concordia wound up in seventh place while going up against a strong field that included Oklahoma City University, an eighth-place national finisher in 2025.
Head Coach Emilie Ashenbach has been pleased with the way the Bulldogs have fought through adversity in the early parts of the competition season. Concordia is hoping to reach full strength in upcoming competitions.
“The athletes had their strongest showing yet, earning the highest jump scores Concordia has ever received and successfully hitting all of our skills,” Ashenbach said. “From start to finish, the routine was confident, controlled and intentional. What stands out most is the consistency and growth we continue to see at each competition. This group keeps building, improving and raising the standard every time they take the floor.”
Six Bulldogs took the mat early in the evening at Mabee Arena. Senior Ara Maxwell joined the young group for Friday’s competition. The rest of the roster featured three freshmen and two sophomores, all of whom experienced their first collegiate competition at the Dordt Invite. The team score increased by nearly 10 full points from the previous outing. The competition at the Coyote Classic included the likes of McPherson College (Kan.), Langston University (Okla.), Friends University (Kan.), host Kansas Wesleyan and Sterling College (Kan.), in addition to champion Oklahoma City.
Added Ashenbach, “Their work ethic and trust in one another is paying off, and it was exciting to see that progress reflected so clearly in today’s performance.”
KWU Classic Competition Roster
· Ella Bradley (De Soto, Mo.)
· Sarah Felten (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
· Ara Maxwell (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Adelyn Opp (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Brinkly Sallach (Red Oak, Iowa)
· Sophie Schneider (Wichita, Kan.)
2026 Competitions
Jan. 24 – Placed 8th/8 (51.8) at the Dordt Invite
Jan. 30 – Placed 7th/7 (60.16) at KWU Classic
An action-packed weekend is up next. The Bulldogs now look forward to competing at the York Invitational on Feb. 6 before hosting the Concordia Invitational on Feb. 7. Concordia has switched to an invite format (as opposed to duals) for this year’s event. Currently, the home competition is slated to include eight cheer and eight dance teams.