ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—For the third consecutive year the Bethel University football team will be represented at the Minnesota Vikings rookie camp, which will be held at Winter Park, Minn., this weekend. Both Mitch Hallstrom and Seth Mathis will be trading in their navy uniform and gold helmet for a purple jersey and helmet, as each received an invitation to join the drafted rookies at their three-day camp beginning Friday.
 
Mathis, a two-time AFCA All-American middle linebacker, ended his career with the Royals as the program's leading tackler after 361 career tackles. The three-time All-MIAC linebacker also intercepted 11 passes, forced six fumbles, and wrapped up 3.5 sacks.

Hallstrom, a two-time MIAC All-Conference wide receiver and 2013 D3football.com All-American Third team member totaled 171 receptions for 2,226 yards and 12 touchdowns in his junior and senior seasons. Hallstrom own's Bethel's record for single-season and career receptions, along with single-season yards. 
 
"Having the opportunity to attend camp this weekend is a gateway to achieving my dreams," said Mathis. "This experience allows me and others to see that hard work pays dividends."
 
The two will check into camp on Thursday night and will get right into the mix that evening before going through two-a-days on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Both noted that they don't know what to expect other than the fact that it will be grueling and extensive. They will also be asked to learn the Vikings playbook essentially overnight.
 
"I'm not going to worry about who is around me or what demands are asked of me," noted Hallstrom. "I just have to be the best I can be and make a difference in some way that makes me stick out above the rest."
 
Mathis had similar thoughts about the upcoming occasion. "I know it will be highly challenging, but my goal is to prove to coaches and scouts that I slipped through the cracks and belong at the next level."
 
Both Mathis and Hallstrom have been preparing themselves for this weekend, as they each worked out at a local training facility in Woodbury and attended several workouts with scouts in attendance. The two also got separate agents, who have contacted teams on their behalf ever since the 2013 college season ended. Each was called during the 2014 NFL Draft and asked to come to the Vikings workout facility this weekend—should another team not sign them.
 
Hallstrom suggested that he and others might be overlooked because they played at the NCAA Division III level, but he believes that shouldn't limit his opportunity to play. "Certainly our game is at a different level, comparatively, but I believe that I can still be great and I am confident that my experiences have shaped me for the NFL."
 
Head football coach Steve Johnson said this about Mitch, "He seems to be one of those athletes that professional teams look for. He is a freakish athlete that is powerful, fast, courageous, and has unreal hands."
 
Mathis, too, noted that he would not take this weekend for granted. "My goal has always been to impact people through football and this game always motivates me to be better. So I'm not going to overthink or overhype this weekend, but go out and take advantage of this opportunity of a lifetime."
 
Johnson had similar sentiments about Seth, saying, "He is an incredible player and teammate. Seth is big, strong, fast, and understands the game. He also learns quickly and has worked hard to get his body in shape for the next level."
 
The pair of Royals follow Mitch Elliott, Cory Svihla, and Matt Ehler, who are Bethel football alums that previously attended the Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp. Svihla was in Winter Park in 2013 and Elliott in 2012.
 
When asked about his emotions for this weekend, Hallstrom had this to say, "It's been what feel's like a long time coming. I'm excited and ready to go."
 
Mathis concurred, saying, "I'm going in with nothing to lose. I know who I am and that gives me great assurance about the process."