General Information:
School: Bethel University
Founded: 1947
Location: St. Paul, MN
Enrollment: 6,200
President: Jay Barnes
Athletic Director: Bob Bjorklund
Team Nickname: Royals
Colors: Navy Blue and Vegas Gold
Head Coach:
Jim Timp (4th Year)
Assitant Coaches:
Mike Fregeau
Kyle Leaf
Doug Novak
Bob Jones
Key Returners:
Joel Quick (Jr., Johnston, Iowa) - 200m, 4 x 400 m relay
Jay Quick (So., Johnston, Iowa) - High Jump
Eric Rhode (Jr., Oakdale, Minn.) - 200m, 400m, 4 x 400 m relay
Carl Gladitsch (Sr., Bloomer, Wis.) - Distance
Taylor Ferda (Jr., Whitefish, Mont.) - Hurdles, 4 x 400 m relay
Tyler Hinrichs (Sr., Clara City, Minn.) - Distance
Season Outlook:
Head Coach Jim Timp believes the 2009 season looks to be a good opportunity to continue with the success that was experienced last year with the men's team finishing in fourth place at the conference meet in both the indoor and outdoor seasons. 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 fourth year with the program as the throws coach. Kyle Leaf is back for his seventh year as the jumps coach. 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. Ferda also earned All-American status at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field meet last March.
The men's squad welcomes back a very talented group of returning athletes, who will provide leadership. Included in that group are Carl Gladitsch, a team captain and 2007 All-American in cross country; Taylor Ferda, a 55m hurdler and member of the 4 x 400 meter relay team; and Eric Rhode, a 200 meter and 400 meter
Joel Quick and Eric Rhode
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 is 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 were fourth 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.
