General Information:
School: Bethel University
Founded: 1947
Location: St. Paul, MN
Enrollment: 6,200 (2,800 undergrad)
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:
Marie Borner (Sr., Cottage Grove, Minn.) - Middle distance
Heather Jelen (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) - Middle distance
Vanessa Moore (Sr., Grantsburg, Wis.) - Sprints, high jump
Michaela Otto (Jr., Cottage Grove, Minn.) - Hurdles
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 women's team finishing in third place at the indoor conference meet - just half a point out of second, and in sixth place at the outdoor meet.
Assistant coach 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 fifth year with the program as the throws coach while Kyle Leaf is back for his seventh year as the jumps coach. Mike Fregeau is in his second year as the sprint and hurdles coach. Mike has added an energy and excitement that has made a dramatic impact on these talented athletes.
The women's squad is led by four captains: Marie Borner, who is the defending national champion in the indoor mile run, as well as an NCAA All-American in the 1500 meter outdoor race; Vanessa Moore, who earned All American honors in the Indoor and outdoor high jump in 2007; Heather Jelen, who is an All-MIAC and NCAA All-Region cross country runner; and Michaela Otto. Others that will figure significantly in scoring may include Leah Jackson and Amy Neubauer.
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 third in the indoor conference meet and sixth 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.
