DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Ten Bulldogs made their way to Daytona Beach, Fla., for the 2025 Virus Weightlifting Finals, an event that showcased hundreds of lifters from a wide range of age groups. Following action that unfolded from Dec. 4-7, Kaiden Mima emerged as a national champion and was one of four Concordia University, Nebraska Weightlifting athletes to earn top three place finishes within the under 20 division. In another major highlight, the Bulldog men placed fifth as a team in open division competition. Many of the top college lifters from around the country descended upon the Ocean Center Convention Center in an event hosted by USA Weightlifting.
Athletes had to meet certain requirements in order to be included in the Virus Weightlifting Finals, a meet more exclusive than the University National Championships. Head Coach Freddie Myles’ program most recently competed at the Nebraska State Weightlifting Championships in October.
“I thought everyone performed exceptionally well, with lots of made lifts and strong placements across the board,” said Myles of the latest outing. “I was really pleased with the men’s team finishing in the top five of the open division. Kaiden had an outstanding meet, winning both the open and junior divisions.”
A native of Colorado Springs, Colo., and former junior college wrestler, Mima continues to add to his list of achievements after winning the 61 kg title at last season's University National Championships. At the 2025 Virus Finals, Mima posted lifts of 106 kg in snatch and 127 kg in clean & jerk for a total of 233 kg (21 kg more than his national title winning total last season). Mima defeated the second-place athlete by 1 kg and bested a field of 30 athletes in his 60 kg weight class.
The other top-three place finishers for Concordia (in the junior division) were Enzo Mancini (second at 94 kg), Abigail Nelson (third at 53 kg) and Marcus Sweet (third at 79 kg). The overall totals came in at 299 kg for Mancini, 139 kg for Nelson and 255 kg for Sweet. A full summary of all results for Bulldog lifters is included below.
Six Concordia athletes achieved Q-Points scores above 300 (a calculation that allows for comparison across weight classes): Evan Fukuhara (380.9), Mima (373.9), Mancini (366.7), Michael Davidge (353.7), Sweet (337.0) and Nolan Graupmann (302.8). Fukuhara is also a past university national champion.
Bulldogs at Virus Weightlifting Finals
· HarleyJane Carter (69 kg) – 63 kg snatch; 84 kg clean & jerk; 147 kg total.
· Michael Davidge (94 kg) – 124 kg snatch; 165 kg clean & jerk; 289 kg total.
· Evan Fukuhara (71 kg) – 124 kg snatch; 145 kg clean & jerk; 269 kg total.
· Nolan Graupmann (110 kg) – 116 kg snatch; 145 kg clean & jerk; 261 kg total.
· Taylor Hedke (63 kg) – 81 kg snatch; 95 kg clean & jerk; 176 kg total
· Enzo Mancini (94 kg) – 132 kg snatch; 167 kg clean & jerk; 299 kg total (2nd place U20).
· Kaiden Mima (60 kg) – 106 kg snatch; 127 kg clean & jerk; 233 kg total (1st place U20 / Open).
· Abigail Nelson (53 kg) – 61 kg snatch; 78 kg clean & jerk; 139 kg total (3rd place U20).
· Nina Pollack (77 kg) – 70 kg snatch; 88 kg clean & jerk; 158 kg total.
· Marcus Sweet (79 kg) – 115 kg snatch; 140 kg clean & jerk; 255 kg total (3rd place U20).
The remaining competitions for 2025-26 will take place next semester. The Bulldogs are scheduled to host the CUNE Weightlifting Open on Feb. 28, 2026. The meet will be staged inside the Walz Fieldhouse. The 2026 University Weightlifting National Championships are slated to run April 9-12 in Salt Lake City, Utah.