He’s arguably the most talented football player to ever don Bulldog blue. In the mid-1980s, Clarence Woods took a chance on Concordia and a community he grew to love. Thirty-eight years later, the memories remain rich in his mind.
"United in Purpose," the 2001 Concordia Football Team reached heights no other squad in program history has ever attained. Led by Coach Courtney Meyer, the Bulldogs enjoyed a special journey that resulted in a GPAC championship and national quarterfinal appearance.
Most people around campus know him as "Pot Roast." The four-year starting center and Psychology major grew into a first team all-conference performer while standing out as one of the more personable players on the Concordia roster.
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 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.
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.
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.
Four decades since that glorious season, the 1981 Concordia Football team continues to reserve a spot in program lore. The Bulldogs went 9-1, won the NIAC title and finished with a No. 12 national ranking.
Lane Napier joked that he wasn't ready to grow up in regards to his decision to return for a fifth season as a Bulldog. Napier is on track to shatter the GPAC tackle record he already owns.
Optimism abounds in the preparatory month of August for a 2021 Concordia Football team that league coaches have pegged for fifth place in the GPAC. The Bulldogs will kick off the season at Morningside.