By Jake Knabel, Concordia University Sports Information Director

Concordia star senior post player Porter Birtell will miss the remainder of his senior season as a Bulldog due to various injuries, the team has announced. Birtell suffered a concussion on Jan. 23 at Doane while also playing with a torn pectoral muscle and shin splints.

"I would like to thank everyone for all their prayers and support over these last four years," Birtell wrote in a statement. "I would especially like to thank my parents, coaches, teammates, fans and certainly my savior Jesus for the wonderful privilege of playing for the Bulldogs. Wearing the Concordia jersey and representing the university has been a great honor. I praise God for giving me such an awesome opportunity to glorify Him!"

Despite playing with significant pain this season, Birtell led the Bulldogs in scoring at 13.6 points per game and ranked second with 5.2 rebounds per contest in 20 games. The native of Madison, Neb., finishes his four-year Concordia career with 1,390 points and 712 rebounds. He was nearly automatic once he touched the ball in the paint as he shot 61.8 percent from the field in 101 career games.

"His faith is evident and he has given so much for this team," head coach Marty Kohlwey said. "This was especially evident during this season as he has dealt with multiple injuries throughout while playing with constant pain."

Last season Birtell averaged 17.2 points and 8.3 rebounds on the way to First Team All-GPAC and Honorable Mention All-America honors.

Birtell had his most dominant performance of his career last season when he piled up 37 points while making all 12 shots from the field in a 94-75 upset of then No. 14 Northwestern on the road. In his career, Birtell notched 17 games with 20 or more points.