The Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) basketball, cheer and dance teams along with students, alumni, and fans will make their way to Seward, Nebraska for the 66th Concordia Invitational Tournament, held at Concordia University Nebraska on Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th.
This historical basketball tournament includes the men’s and women’s basketball programs from Concordia University Ann Arbor, Concordia University Chicago, Concordia University Wisconsin, and this year’s host institution, Concordia University Nebraska. With the first round of games beginning Friday afternoon, the weekend will also include alumni events, worship services, and student activities in addition to the athletic competitions.
Rich in tradition, the tournament was created by Coach Eldon “Pete” Peterson of Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis in the fall of 1950. Pederson wanted to develop a tournament that involved four institutions within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The site of the tournament rotated so that each institution would have the opportunity to host.
Various teams within the Concordia University System and Concordia theological seminaries have participated in CIT since its inaugural tournament in March of 1951, with a women’s basketball tournament introduced 14 years later in 1965.
In 2001, Concordia University St. Paul participated in their final CIT after switching their affiliation to NCAA Division II. Both men and women from Concordia University Ann Arbor took CUSP’s place in the tournament. Click here to see results throughout the history of CIT.
The CUAA women’s basketball team will play the opening game of the tournament against Concordia University Chicago on Friday, January 27 at 1:00 p.m. CT. The men’s team will follow, competing against Concordia University Wisconsin at 3:00 p.m. Friday. Both the consolation and championship games will take place on Saturday.
Click here for a complete list of the tournament schedule, seating information, and to purchase tickets. Tournament passes will be available online until January 23rd for a special pre-sale price of $20.00 per pass.
The 66th Concordia Invitational Tournament will broadcast games live at http://www.cune.edu/athletics/watch.
— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.
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