Football Ends Season With National Ranking
Concordia won its last game of the season against Hastings on Nov. 12. Photo by Abi Schroeder.
by Clyde Ericson
The conclusion of the 2016 Concordia football season marked the end of an era under the leadership of coach Vance Winters. The team ended the season ranked No. 18 in the NAIA, making this the first season since 2001 that the Bulldogs finished with a national ranking.
A big key to the team’s successful season was the contribution from the seniors, who produced a winning record of 24-17 throughout their four-year career.
“This is a talented group of seniors. Respect them and thank them for their commitment to helping change the path of Concordia football,” Special Teams Coordinator Corby Osten said.
Several key seniors ended their football career for Concordia this season, including defensive end Trey Barnes, running back Bryce Collins, linebacker Michael Hedlund and safety Le’Dontrae Gooden.
The team broke records this season as well. Senior Bryce Collins became second on the career rushing yards list as he ran for 3,520 total rushing yards. Junior Jared Garcia broke Concordia’s record for career touchdowns with 29 and became second in career receiving yards with 2,188. Senior Michael Hedlund became the first player in the GPAC era to record multiple seasons with 100 tackles.
“As teams get better, records tend to get broken,” Osten said. “I think the success of the team this year speaks volumes for the commitment and work that this senior class, and upperclassmen, have put in.”
