ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – As calendars turn to July, not only is it crazy to think how quickly the month of June went, but also how soon it will be before the fall season begins. With practices for fall sports beginning near the middle of August, teams are counting down the days before they hit the playing surface. With that in mind, it is important to announce the 2012 fall schedules.
 
The men's and women's cross country schedules will see nine different meets on its schedule, including an inter-squad race and the MIAC Championships that will be held at Como Park on Saturday, October 27. Each team will also be participating in a contest held at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind., which is also the site of the 2012 NCAA Division III Cross Country National Meet.
 
Football will open its season on the road against Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, on Saturday, September 8.  The Royals will then return home for one more nonconference affair against Buena Vista University before eight straight conference competitions. Notable games include the homecoming game on October 6 against Concordia College, a road trip to St. Thomas on October 13 and St. Olaf on November 3, and finally the season finale against Saint John's at home on November 10. All games are scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
Men's soccer will take its talents on the road for the first three games, which should prepare them well for the entire season, as 10 of the team's 16 games will be away from the friendly confines of Ona Orth. Bethel's men's soccer team will face six nonconference opponents, but will end its season with six straight conference matchups.
 
The women's soccer squad will see a comparable schedule, as 11 of the team's 18 games will be on the road. In fact, six of the Royal's first eight competitions will require a bus. Bethel will then close its season with nine of its last ten against conference opponents.

Bethel's volleyball team looks to return to the NCAA Division III National Volleyball Tournament for the second time in as many years in the 2012 campaign. The Royals will begin its journey with tournaments at Northwestern College (Minn.), then at home, followed by weekend tournaments at Cornell College, Wartburg College, and Trinity University (Texas). Mixed into the five tournaments will be 11 MIAC battles, including Concordia College on the road September 19 and the season finale against St. Thomas at home on October 27.
 
Be sure to check back often for updated schedules and the men's and women's golf and tennis schedules.
 
Schedules:
Men: Cross Country | Football | Golf | Soccer | Tennis
Women: Cross Country | Golf | Soccer | Tennis | Volleyball