A Legacy of Faith and Football: Exploring Concordia University Nebraska's Gridiron History

Concordia University, Nebraska, a private Lutheran institution in Seward, boasts a rich history that intertwines faith, academics, and athletics. Among its various sports programs, the football team stands out, with a legacy dating back to 1925. This article delves into the annals of Concordia's football history, highlighting pivotal moments, influential figures, and the program's evolution over the years.

The Genesis of Concordia Football: Walter Hellwege's Vision

The seeds of Concordia's football program were sown by Walter Hellwege, a transformative figure who joined the Concordia Teachers College (CTC) faculty in 1919. Arguably the most influential individual in Concordia athletics history, Hellwege single-handedly brought intercollegiate competition to the school.

Initially hesitant due to his lack of experience in football, baseball, or basketball, Hellwege accepted the students' request to coach the teams. He immersed himself in learning the fundamentals of various sports, attending courses at the University of Nebraska. Armed with this knowledge, he organized a junior college conference with other Lutheran colleges in Nebraska, marking the beginning of intercollegiate competition at Concordia. Hellwege's dedication and strategic acumen laid the foundation for the football program's future success.

Featured Story: Homecoming and the 1931 Undefeated Team

As part of homecoming week celebrations, it's fitting to remember the 1931 Concordia Football team, which achieved a perfect 7-0 record under Hellwege's guidance, dominating their opponents.

Early Standouts: Arkie Arkebauer, the Touchdown King

One of the earliest stars to emerge from Concordia's football program was Bernard "Arkie" Arkebauer. In 1931, Arkebauer had an extraordinary individual season, establishing a school record of 19 touchdowns that remains unmatched. Arkebauer's remarkable achievement of leading both the 1930 Concordia High School team (6-0) and the 1931 Concordia Teachers College team (7-0) to undefeated records underscores his exceptional talent and leadership.

Arkie's prowess extended to both sides of the ball, excelling as a runner, receiver, and defender. A 1930 Broadcaster magazine piece described Arkie as the "Haven Havoc," highlighting his ability to score touchdowns through various methods and his defensive contributions. In 1949, a poll of 45 alumni recognized Arkebauer's greatness by naming him the top vote-getter on an all-time Concordia football team. His story, preserved in written accounts, continues to inspire generations of Concordia athletes.

The Meyer Era: Sustained Success and Conference Titles

Following Hellwege, Herb "The Bulldog" Meyer took the reins and led the program to sustained success. Meyer's era (1941-1954) saw the Bulldogs achieve a combined record of 41-8-3, capturing three conference titles. Meyer's contributions extended beyond football, as he also served as athletic director, coached various college teams, and held positions as dean of men and a faculty member.

Triumph Over Doane: Ending the Nation's Longest Unbeaten Streak

In 1970, a significant moment in Concordia football history occurred when the Bulldogs, under the leadership of new head coach John "Sid" Seevers, faced a formidable Doane College team. Doane entered the season opener with an active 38-game unbeaten streak, the longest at any college football program level in the nation at the time.

Weeks before the game, Seevers confidently told Doane assistant coach Ray Best that Concordia would win decisively if they played well. A massive crowd of 6,800 flocked to Bulldog Stadium to witness the highly anticipated matchup. Overcoming the favored Tigers, Concordia delivered a humbling 35-0 defeat. The Bulldogs dominated the game, amassing 447 yards of total offense while limiting Doane to 243. Running back Carl Abele ran over the Tigers for 214 rushing yards on 41 bruising carries. Giesselmann tossed for another 222 as the Bulldogs dominated in all phases. Concordia's defense also played a crucial role, with freshman defensive end Ronald Kollmeyer returning a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown and safety Steve Sirek intercepting two passes. The stunning victory not only ended Doane's remarkable unbeaten streak but also propelled Concordia to the Nebraska Intercollegiate Conference (NIAC) championship in the league's inaugural year.

The Electric Atmosphere and Demoralizing the Opponent

Seevers attributed the victory to an "electric" crowd and the team's ability to demoralize Doane by attacking their strengths. Despite facing a massive Doane defensive front, Concordia's offensive line, led by pint-sized left guard Bob Huckfeldt, opened up holes for Abele to exploit. The team celebrated the momentous win by tossing Seevers into the on-campus pool, a testament to the camaraderie and excitement surrounding the program.

Read also: Financial Aid at Concordia

The 1981 Season: Shocking Peru State and Another Conference Title

Under head coach Larry Oetting, the 1981 team achieved another significant milestone, defeating fourth-ranked Peru State, which featured star running back Al Holder. A smothering defense, led by Scott Smith's 17 tackles, frustrated Holder and the Bobcats. Concordia's coaching staff meticulously scouted Peru State, enabling the defense to anticipate plays and execute effectively.

The 20-9 victory over Peru State was a defining moment in a 9-1 season that culminated in a Nebraska Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title. Nose guard Gary Pomerenke earned NIAC Defensive Player of the Year honors, highlighting the team's defensive prowess. The Oetting family's legacy at Concordia extends beyond Larry, with his brothers Gene, Bob, and Dennis contributing to the program's success and conference titles in the 1950s and 1960s.

The 2001 GPAC Championship: Wurdeman's Memorable Touchdown

The 2001 season, under head coach Courtney Meyer, stands as a pinnacle in Concordia football history. The team achieved a 10-2 record, setting a new program standard for wins in a single year. The season's highlight was the GPAC championship victory and the team's subsequent appearance in the NAIA playoffs.

A defining moment of the 2001 season was Ross Wurdeman's 32-yard touchdown catch in the first round playoff game against St. Ambrose (Iowa). Wurdeman, a two-time first-team NAIA All-American, was known for his exceptional pass-catching ability.

Modern Era: Continued Success and Academic Excellence

In recent years, the Concordia football program has continued to demonstrate its staying power as one of the GPAC's top programs. Despite facing challenges such as injuries to key players, the Bulldogs have consistently finished near the top of the conference and earned national recognition.

The program also places a strong emphasis on academic achievement, with numerous players earning NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors and GPAC All-Conference awards. The success of players like Brevin Damrow, who was named a 2025 Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators, exemplifies the program's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.

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