Bethel University Athletics

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:

Key Returners:

Marie Borner (Sr., Cottage Grove, Minn.) - Middle distance
Kayla Jelen (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) - Middle distance
Michaela Otto (Sr., Cottage Grove, Minn.) - Hurdles

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 women's team finishing in fourth place at the indoor conference meet, and in seventh place at the outdoor meet. Mike Fregeau is in his third year as the sprint and hurdles coach. Mike has added an energy and excitement that has made a dramatic impact on these talented athletes. Assistant coach Kyle Leaf is back for his eighth year as the jumps coach, while Doug Novak, who has been with the program for about 20 years, will continue his work with the vaulters. Bob Jones is back for his sixth year with the program as the throws coach while Nick Jones rejoins the team to help coach middle distance runners.

The women's squad is led by Marie Borner, who was national champion in the indoor mile run in 2008, as well as the NCAA national champion in the 1500 meter outdoor race in 2009; and Michaela Otto.

The coaching staff is very excited about this year’s teams. 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 women finished fourth in the indoor conference meet and seventh at 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.