Following a 7-3 season in 2021, Concordia Football returned to the practice fields this spring with an eye on making another leap forward. A number of fifth-year players are back in the fold and the overall talent level excites Head Coach Patrick Daberkow.
The Concordia Football program announced the addition of Trent Laune to the coaching staff on Feb. 18, 2022. A Bulldog alum, Laune will serve as Special Teams Coordinator after nine seasons as a Defensive Coordinator at the NCAA Division III level.
The momentum from a 7-3 mark in 2021 has carried over into recruiting for the Concordia Football program. As of signing day, the Bulldogs have secured pledges from 39 class of 2022 student-athletes.
Lane Napier has garnered Honorary Captain status on the Omaha World-Herald's All-Midlands Team for the third time in his career while 11 Bulldogs have been recognized by the news outlet.
Additional postseason recognition has streamed in for accomplished linebacker Lane Napier, who has been chosen as an Associated Press First Team All-American and nominee for the 2021 Cliff Harris Award.
For the second year in a row, Concordia running back Jonah Weyand has been named to the Academic All-America® NAIA Football Team by CoSIDA. Weyand again led the Bulldogs in rushing while earning high marks as a student.
Over the past four seasons, Garrett Schardt has made his mark at Concordia with a series of big plays and tough grabs. The Davenport native and BDS alum will have the option of returning for a fifth season after an All-America 2021 season.
Based on performances that occurred in 2021, a number of Concordia standouts improved their positioning on program single season and career all-time lists. Notably, Lane Napier padded his school record tackle total.
Linebacker Lane Napier was honored with First Team All-America status by the American Football Coaches Association on Monday (Dec. 13). In addition, tight end Garrett Schardt garnered Honorable Mention All-America accolades.
All-American linebacker Lane Napier returned for a fifth year in 2021 and made good on his aspirations of helping Concordia Football win in a big way. Led by a stifling defense, the Bulldogs closed the campaign on a six-game win streak.
There's a veteran feel to a Concordia Football team that believes the time is now. The Bulldogs bring back a record-breaking quarterback for what projects to be an explosive offense. Concordia expects the defense to make a leap forward.
As of National Signing Day (Feb. 7), Concordia Football has announced a 2024 class of more than 40 pledges. Coach Daberkow gave an update on recruiting and the program in full in conjunction with signing day.
When operating at peak levels, the 2023 Concordia Football team showed a flair for offensive fireworks. Led by DJ McGarvie, the Bulldogs set another new offensive standard before completing the season at 5-5.
The unassuming DJ McGarvie tends to shy from the spotlight, but attention is unavoidable for the standard-setting quarterback. McGarvie isn't just breaking Concordia's passing records, he's crushing them.
Whether situated in his home of Arlington, Texas, or otherwise, Rod Giesselmann '71 feels the "oneness" of Concordia. It's that special togetherness that lifted the 1970 Bulldogs to great heights and set Giesselmann up for success.
Michael Grindey has gone from Creighton rugby player to high school football coach to a star linebacker at Concordia. The outgoing Arizona native has thrived after following a twisting, turning path to Seward.
Over the second half of last season, Concordia Football added explosiveness to its offense while supplementing a defense already known for its ruggedness. The Bulldogs hope to hit the ground running this fall in what will be year seven of Coach Patrick Daberkow's tenure.
Head Coach Patrick Daberkow and standouts Michael Grindey and DJ McGarvie met the media on July 17 at the Nebraska Small College Football Media Day hosted by Doane. Preseason camp opens Aug. 7 for the Bulldogs.
After following his dreams and becoming a Nebraska Cornhusker, Austin Jablonski called an audible and transferred to Concordia for a shot at playing quarterback. He's found Concordia to be a "special place" where his faith has grown and his talents have shined.
Ten years after his passing, Drew Ekart's impact remains deeply felt by all those he touched along the way. Ekart valiantly fought brain cancer while accepting his fate. The star Bulldog Ekart served as a witness while walking in the truth.
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