MEQUON, Wis. – It was a clean sweep for the Concordia Wisconsin acrobatics & tumbling team on Wednesday afternoon, as the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) announced its weekly honors. The Falcons claimed all three Division III awards for the first time in program history.
The Blue and White were represented by Ainslee Taylor as Athlete of the Week, Gabby Dixon as Specialist of the Week and Frankie Evitch as Freshman of the Week.
The sweep comes after Concordia Wisconsin earned a pair of victories over Trine and East Texas Baptist on Friday in Indiana, posting a season-high score of 221.685 points.
Wednesday also marked the first time all three student-athletes have received the honor.
A senior back from Alto, Michigan, Ainslee Taylor competed in 12 heats and the team event. Her performance was highlighted by a 9.90 score in the open pyramid.
"This season has had its ups and downs, but God has been faithful through it all," said Taylor. "I didn't know if I would even be competing this season, so this is a huge blessing and an honor. Proverbs 16:9."
Gabby Dixon, a junior base from Elkhorn, Wisconsin, delivered a standout performance in the pyramid event. She helped lead the Falcons to a 9.90 in the open pyramid and a 9.20 in the synchronized pyramid.
"It is truly a blessing to receive this award," said Dixon. "It proves that those hard days do matter, even when it feels tough to keep putting in the work. This award reflects my hard work over the past three years and my dedication to the sport I truly love. My coaches and teammates have helped me become the athlete I am today. I'm grateful to be part of this journey and hope to continue paving the way for future athletes."
Freshman base Frankie Evitch, from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, competed in 11 heats and the team event. She contributed to a 9.90 in the open pyramid and a 9.55 in the compulsory pyramid.
"This award recognizes a milestone in my first year on the team," said Evitch. "Looking back to where I started six months ago—walking into a new sport I had never really heard of—to now finding myself within it, I am beyond proud of how far I've come. This is just the beginning for me."
Earlier this season, senior Emily Ruka was named NCATA Division III Specialist of the Week.
The Falcons return to action on Friday when they host Calvin.
