General Information:
School: Bethel University
Founded: 1947
Location: St. Paul, MN
Enrollment: 6,300 (2,900 undergrad)
President: Jay Barnes
Athletic Director: Bob Bjorklund
Team Nickname: Royals
Colors: Navy Blue and Vegas Gold
Head Coach:
Jim Timp (5th Year)
Assitant Coaches:
Mike Fregeau - sprints
Kyle Leaf - jumps
Doug Novak - pole vault
Bob Jones - throws
Nick Jones - middle distance
Key Returners:
Joel Quick (Sr., Johnston, Iowa) - 200m, 4 x 400 m relay
Jay Quick (Jr., Johnston, Iowa) - High Jump
Eric Rhode (Sr., Oakdale, Minn.) - 200m, 400m, 4 x 400 m relay
Dan Greeno (Sr., St. Michael, Minn.) - Distance
Taylor Ferda (Sr., Whitefish, Mont.) - Hurdles, 4 x 400 m relay
Zach Schlegel (Jr., Woodbury, Minn.) - 4 x 400 m relay
Season Outlook:
Head Coach Jim Timp believes the 2010 season looks to be a good opportunity to continue with the success that was experienced last year with the men's team finishing in third place at the indoor conference meet and fourth in the outdoor season. Mike Fregeau comes back as the sprint and hurdle coach after taking Taylor Ferda and the 4 x 400 meter relay team to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field championships for a second straight year. The 4 x 400 meter relay team finished second nationally and Ferda also earned All-American status at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field meet last May. Kyle Leaf is back for his eighth year as the jumps coach and hopes to see Jay Quick earn his first All-American award after two straight trips to the national meet for both indoor and outdoor track. Assistant coach Doug Novak, who has been with the program for about 20 years, will continue his work with the vaulters while Bob Jones returns for his fifth year with the program as the throws coach.
The men's squad welcomes back a very talented group of returning athletes, who will provide leadership. Included in that group are Dan Greeno, a three-time All-American in cross country; Taylor Ferda, a 55m/110m hurdler and member of the 4 x 400 meter relay team; and Eric Rhode, a 200 meter and 400 meter
sprinter as well as 4 x 400 meter relay team member. Jay and Joel Quick will be strong competitors in the high jump and 200 meter dash, respectively, while Zach Schlegel also provides Bethel with some outstanding speed. The team will look for good leadership this year, as there are a lot of new faces on the team which will add the depth needed to compete with the rest of the conference.
The coaching staff is very excited about this year’s team. Depth has been the problem over the past couple of years which has prevented the Royals from being one of the top teams. Last year the Bethel men moved up to third in the indoor conference meet and fourth in the outdoor conference meet. The talent has been there and now the depth seems to be there as well. With this kind of talent and depth and the leadership and commitment that exist, both squads seem to be poised to move up once again in the MIAC.
