BETHEL ROYALS A LOOK BACK AT THE TOP 10 MOMENTS FROM 2016

WRAPPING UP 2016

Each year is a story within itself and 2016 was no different for the Bethel Royals. Unforgettable memories filled with breath-taking moments and extraordinary drama, 2016 had it all. From MIAC Championships to the highest individual honors, Bethel experienced an abundance of highlights throughout the past 12 months.

We summarize 2016 with the Top 10 moments (plus a few honorable mention) over the past 12 months.

HONORABLE MENTION

The four stories that didn't cut the Top 10 list from 2016 were as follows:

TEAM TRAVEL

Three teams enjoyed an international trip during the past 12 months. Bethel's volleyball team spent more than a week in Nicaragua last May, where they played the national team three times, served several organizations throughout three different communities, and participated in many cultural experiences. The men's and women's hockey team also traveled abroad in late December, as the women spent the majority of their time in Italy and the men in Austria.

TEAM USA

For the third consecutive season, Bethel University was represented on the USA Sports Tours and Events Division III Men's Basketball Team. Derek Magnuson was selected this past summer to represent the Royals and America in Brazil. Also receiving an invitation was Kalli Zimmermann, who became BU's first female to play for Team USA overseas.

SCOTT KIRCHOFF

Scott Kirchoff was voted NCAA Division III AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year by his peers following the 2016 season. Kirchoff joins Greg Peterson and Mike Plinske as the three coaches to receive this award while coaching at Bethel University.

ITA MIDWEST DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP

The Bethel University doubles team comprised of Hunter Fernelius and Henry Morris became the first duo in program history to be crowned Midwest Open champions this fall after winning six matches.

No. 10 | Alex CASE CADDIES AT THE RYDER CUP

Bethel University men's golfer Alex Case had the opportunity of a lifetime this fall when he was asked to caddie for Huey Lewis at the 2016 Ryder Cup Celebrity Challenge. Story

No. 9 | Drew NEUVILLE RECEIVES TWO PRESTIGIOUS HONORS

Senior tight end Drew Neuville was the recipient of two prestigious honors this past fall. The first came in September when he was recognized to the AFCA Allstate Good Works Team. He was later voted the the D3football.com All-America Third Team in December. Neuville finished his career as the most prolific tight end in program history.

No. 8 | PARUPSKY BECOMES BETHEL's 11th NCAA POSTGRADUATE SCHOLAR

Rachel Parupsky was announced one of 29 female recipients to receive the prestigious NCAA postgraduate scholarship last May. The scholarship, which Bethel has received 11 times in total and nine times in the last nine years, awards Parupsky $7,500 to apply towards a postgraduate degree. Story

No. 7 | THREE RECEIVE MIAC ELITE 22 AWard

Bethel University boasted three MIAC Elite 22 recipients during the 2016 year, including Caroline Kivisto (Hockey), Karl Olsen (Men's Outdoor Track and Field), and Jillian Krier (Volleyball). In all sports with MIAC team postseason tournaments the MIAC Elite 22 Award is presented to the individual with the highest GPA on the active roster at the MIAC Playoff championship contest. In the individual sports (outdoor track and field) the winner is the individual with the highest GPA who was named All-Conference.

No. 6 | ROCK DUO INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

Andrew and Missy Rock were both inducted into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Division III Hall of Fame at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Awards banquet held at Waterloo, Iowa last May. The two became the first husband-wife duo to be inducted into the Hall of Fame together. Story

No. 5 | Coach Johnson Receives multiple accolades

Bethel University's head football coach Steve Johnson will likely never forget 2016, not because of the wins and losses, but because of the milestones and achievements. Johnson's year started in April when he was inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA) Hall of Fame. Later in the year, Johnson earned career win No. 200, becoming just the 10th coach in NCAA Division III to accomplish this feat.

No. 4 | Women's TEnnis Sets Numerous records

The Bethel University women's tennis team had a banner season in 2016. The Royals finished the year 19-5 overall and 6-4 in MIAC play, which earned them their second-ever playoff appearance. This all took place after BU was picked to finish seventh in the preseason coaches' poll. As a result of the team's success, head coach Drew Fernelius was honored with Coach of the Year accolades.

No. 3 | women's Soccer finishes record-breaking season

Bethel's women's soccer team finished 2016 13-5 overall, which included an 8-3 record in conference play. The Royals, who finished 0-11 with two goals scored against MIAC opponents one year before, secured the No. 2 seed in the 2016 MIAC Playoffs thanks to 19 goals in conference play. As a result of the team's success, head coach Amanda Maxwell was voted MIAC Coach of the Year.

No. 2 | Royals Reach NCAA NATIONAL MEET IN THREE EVENTS

Bethel University's track and field program reached the NCAA Division III National Track and Field meet in three events last year, including one at the indoor meet and two at the outdoor meet. Mollie Gillberg qualified in the 5,000-meter run for the indoor meet, while Carl Klamm reached the national outdoor meet in the 400-meter dash and he, Patrick Klamm, Karl Olsen, and Evan Hatton qualified in the 4x400-meter relay.

No. 1 | Women's hockey wins first-ever miac championship

Bethel University's women's hockey team was crowned MIAC Champions for the first time in program history at the conclusion of the 2015-16 regular season. The Royals finished 12-4-2 against conference opponents, which included eight wins in their last 10 regular-season contests. The Royals reached their sixth consecutive postseason and played in their second-straight MIAC championship. As a result of the team's success, head coach Brian Carlson was voted MIAC Coach of the YearStory

Created By
Bethel Royals
Appreciate

Made with Adobe Slate

Make your words and images move.

Get Slate

Report Abuse

If you feel that this video content violates the Adobe Terms of Use, you may report this content by filling out this quick form.

To report a Copyright Violation, please follow Section 17 in the Terms of Use.