SEWARD, Neb. – The ringleader behind a flurry of school records broken in the 2026 season opener, fifth-year quarterback Gideon Stark was honored appropriately on Monday (Aug. 31). Stark was named the GPAC Offensive Player of the Week by the league office, marking his first career conference weekly award. Stark helped power the Concordia University, Nebraska Football team to a 77-7 win over Waldorf on Aug. 29.
A 6-foot-7 native of Magnolia, Texas, Stark threw for a program record eight touchdowns versus Waldorf. The Concordia Lutheran High School product completed 24-of-38 passes for 388 yards, a total that ranks as the fifth highest single game passing yardage total in school history. Stark’s touchdown tosses (in order) covered six yards to Jonny Puelz, 25 yards to Carter Skleba, four yards to Collin Fritton, 33 yards to Dustin Kapke, four yards to Puelz, 22 yards to Adam Van Cleave and then five yards – and five again – to Puelz.
In 20 career collegiate games, Stark has completed 231-of-433 (.533) passes for 2,964 yards and 30 touchdowns to go against 12 interceptions. He’s also rushed for three touchdowns in his career. Stark has started each of the past 11 games for Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s program. Stark earned his degree in Business Administration this past May.
In the win over Waldorf, Concordia broke school records for points in a single game (77) and for total yards (681) during the GPAC era. Stark’s eight touchdown passes eclipsed the former program record of five by DJ McGarvie in 2024. Additionally, Puelz’s four touchdown receptions are a new school record for a single game.
The Bulldogs will be idle this week. Next on the docket, Concordia will play at Hastings on Saturday, Sept. 12.
NOTE: The NAIA National Office will begin recognizing NAIA National Players of the Week on Sept. 7.