Blue Wave Is Back!

Bethel College Track Pre Season Outlook - 2008 Season

The Bethel College Track and Field program is going into the 2007-08 season with great anticipation according to Head Track Coach Tony Natali despite the loss due to graduation of NAIA and NCCAA multi event All-American Geoffrey King. King holds school records in the 100m, the 200m, the 400m, and as a part of the 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams. “Geoff was a tremendous athlete, and more importantly, a tremendous person. It will be hard to make up for his loss, but I feel like the group of athletes we have in our program this up coming season will most definitely get the job done,” says Head Track Coach Tony Natali. The Pilots finished last season second on both the men’s and women’s side in the always tough Mid Central Conference and had 20 NCCAA and six NAIA All-Americans in the process. With a solid group of veterans led by 16 seniors and the biggest group of newcomers in Bethel College Track history, the Pilots are poised to make another run at the conference championship and an impressive finish at NCCAA and NAIA Nationals.

The men will be led by returning NAIA All-American seniors Chris Warhop, Brandon Thomas, and Zach Burrington. Warhop and Thomas were part of the 4x100m relay team that finished 6th at NAIA Outdoor Nationals last May in Fresno, California, while Burrington finished fifth in the pole vault at that same meet. Other senior leaders for the Pilots will be mid distance runners Andrew Gray and David Prieb, thrower Travis LaVine, and vaulter Adam Short. Gray and Prieb were part of the 4x800m relay team that participated in California and finished 15th with a school record time of 7:51.48. The talented junior class consists of NAIA marathon participant Calon Naragon, the other two members of the national 4x800m relay team, Scott Robinson and Vincent Reel, and sprinter Nate Phillips. Naragon, who also set a school record at nationals, ran the marathon in 2:48.50. “We have a lot of expectations out of the senior and junior classes,” says Head Coach Tony Natali. “They have experienced a conference championship and many of them have also experienced national competition. That needs to feed the younger members of our men’s program,” added Coach Natali. A big sophomore class will be led by NAIA qualifiers, thrower JJ Jackson and 4x100m alternate BJ Austin. “JJ and BJ both know what it takes to succeed at the national level. I expect both of them to not only be back at NAIA’s next season, but I expect them to both be further along at that time of the season,” adds Coach Natali. Other sophomore’s include throwers Knox Capre, Brandon Hooven, and Jeff Hardman, sprinters Jontae Randolph and Brad Wilson, distance runners Jared Mead, Ryan Waybright, and Raymond Dutweiller, and jumper Alex Walsh.

The group of 20 newcomers on the men’s side is the largest the Pilots have recruited. Leading the way in the sprint areas will be junior college transfers Trent Chupp and Jovone Palmer. Chupp will also long jump and comes in with a personal best 24’0 attempt. Junior college transfer Ryan Starkel, from Butler CC in Kansas, will help in the distance areas. Using their first year of eligibility, after being red shirted last season, will be thrower Eric Cody and jumper/hurdler JW Maierle. True freshman include thrower Phil Yike, sprinters/jumpers Henry Rivera, Austin Roark, and Diondre Lewis, distance runners Cory Naragon and Allen Burkett, mid distance runners Caleb Jackson and Jordan Heim, who will both also high jump, Drew Bishop who will also throw the javelin, and pole vaulter Kyle Klein. “This is a very talented group of newcomers. They will be counted on very heavily to contribute. For us to meet our team goals, each of our team members will have to maximize their abilities. We fully expect that to happen,” adds Coach Natali.

The women are led by NAIA Outdoor National qualifier senior sprinter/hurdler Kate Bishop. Bishop finished 16th in the 400m hurdles and was part of the 4x400m relay team that finished 19th in California last season. “Kate has accomplished a lot during her first three years at Bethel, but I fully expect her senior season to be her best yet. She has already qualified for national competition in many events and I believe that she can qualify in the multi event this season. Kate will be counted on heavily to lead the women’s team,” added Coach Natali. Other seniors include hurdler Kerri Goodrich, who was also part of the national 4x400m relay team, hurdler Emily Weaver, throwers Ashley Sparks and Natalie Young, distance runners Ashley Imhoff and Allsion Schuck, and pole vaulter Bekah Laman. The junior class for the Lady Pilots will be led by NAIA national qualifier in the 4x400m relay team Heather Rathbun. Joining Rathbun as juniors will be throwers Lacey Litteral, Brittany Cook, and Nikki Hinton, sprinter Calyn Zahl, hurdler Dawn Heckman, mid distance runners Shelby Morrow and Alison Gingrich, distance runner Mozy Thiel, and pole vaulter Danae Ellison. “As with the men, this group of upper classmen for the women is awesome. They will be great leaders for this team. They will set the tone for this season with the big numbers of newcomers joining our program,” adds Coach Natali. The sophomore class has three members that competed at NAIA Outdoor Nationals in California last may. Caitlyn Gager was an NAIA All-American in the pole vault by finishing fifth in that event. Fellow vaulter Ann O’Keefe finished 9th in that same event out in California. Sprinter Jessie Spearman was the other member of the 4x400m relay team at nationals. “The amount of national experience in our sophomore class for our women is great. They will be able to share with others about that experience and that will motivate others to achieve at that national level,” says Coach Natali. Other sophomores for the women include throwers Holly Farrer, Lyndee Flint, and Alicia Derr, and distance runners Becca Prieb, Ashley Wray, Katie Heisey, and Laura Miller.

The women will have 26 newcomers joining their team this season. Transfers include junior NAIA national qualifier in the triple jump from Roberts Wesleyan Amanda Westcott, who will also pole vault, and mid distance runner Marcia Poliquin and thrower Stephanie Harwood, both transfers from West Virginia Tech. True freshman include throwers Nichole Arnold and Kristen Garst, distance runners Samantha Hartsough, Amber Wray, Irene Kirathi, from Kenya, and Brittany Replogle, sprinters/jumpers Kelly Hosaflook, Amy Hausner, Beenne Capre, Amberly Krajiniak, Kati Beutler, Jessica Dirr, Kayla Schrock, and Diamond Smith, and pole vaulters April Monawick and Aunalee Mustard. “This is a very impressive group of newcomers. I am so very impressed, not only in the sheer numbers, but the talent as an overall group is just terrific. The sky is the limit for this women’s team. We need to have great help in each class and we need to mesh as a unit. Once that is done, our goals for this team will be accomplished,” adds Coach Natali.

The indoor season kicks off on Friday, January 18 at Grand Valley State University. Other indoor meets include Invitationals at Rose Hulman, Taylor, Wabash, and DePauw, followed by NCCAA Nationals at Cedarville University in Ohio, and the NAIA Indoor National Championships in Johnson City, Tennessee on March 6-8. The outdoor season has the Pilots competing at Big 10 member Purdue University, Manchester, Goshen, the Indiana Intercollegiates at IUPUI, and at Olivet Nazarene before the MCCChampionships, the NCCAA Nationals at Indiana Wesleyan, and the NAIA Nationals in St. Louis, Missouri on May 22-24.

“We are looking forward with much anticipation to what the Lord has in store for us during this season. We know there will be highs and lows as in any season. We feel that as long as we stick together as one unit nothing can affect us. Our goals will be to maximize our individual talents, which in turn, will allow us to be the best team that we can possibly be. In doing so, we will honor God with how we act on the track, in the field, and in our daily lives to give Him the glory and honor that He deserves from us each day,” says Coach Natali.

Thanks to Bethel College Athletics for this article and their support of Bethel College Track and Field

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Hello Preseason

The Blue Wave Take Part in Preseason Test and Practices

This past week Pilot throwers, sprinters, and jumpers took part in extensive preseason testing clinics. During testing athletes were tested on 10 meter and 30 meter sprints along with various verticle and jumping skill test. The second half of testing included another series of skill and running test including the grueling 48 second drill. At weeks end, the athletes were mathematically evaluated so that progression can be tallied when early winter practices begin. After testing, running clinics were voluntarily offered to teach body mechanics and proper running technique. Some athletes had been taught these techniques before by Pilot sprint coaches but simply needed scientific reasoning behind it, and others were completly green to mechanics. Either way, the clinic helped pad or build the understanding on proper running.

Sunday marked the first day of practice. Sprinters, vaulters and jumpers were met with the hard challenge of the seasons first hill workouts. Although grueling, the workout displayed some of the talent that Pilot coaches and followers have been so anxious to see and evaluate. Today, sprinters and jumpers completed their first anaerobic/tempo workout and again; bright spots were seen from the coaching staff.

The road is still long, and the six weeks that lie ahead during this fall preseason will surely be grueling. As preseason advances look here for more updates on practices and progress as the Pilots look to better themselves heading into a competative indoor season.

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Meet Ann O'Keefe

All-American Ann O'Keefe is this weeks Womens Blue Wave Athlete of the Week

Hometown: Dowagiac, MI

Major: Physical Education and Health

Favorite Music: Country and Rock

Favorite Food: Doughnuts, mash potatoes and homemade pizza

Interest Outside of Track: Scrapbooking, shopping (when I have money), hanging out with my friends and my boyfriend

Goals for the Season: To improve my ablilty and become an All-American in the NAIA Indoor and Outdoor Championships

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Meet Jontae' Randolph

Sophomore 400 runner Jontae' Randolph is this weeks Blue Wave Athlete of the Week.

Hometown: Michigan City, IN

Major: Accounting

Favorite Music: Hip Hop

Favorite Food: Chitlins

Interest Outside of Track: School and Girls

Goals for the Season: To have a very healthy season, compete well at conference, and particpate at Christian Nationals and NAIA.

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Athletes Corner

The Hopes of a Captain

All Conference, NCCAA All-American, and multiple time NAIA qualifier Kate Bishop is an anchor for the Bethel Track and Field team. Throughout her previous three seasons Bishop has qualified for every NAIA meet, and been a versatile weapon in multiple events at multiple venues. As of last season, Bishop has competed in both hurdle races,the 200 meter dash, 4x4 and 4x1 relays; oh and did we mention the long jump as well. And that just names a few. Away from competiton, Kate has been a leader for the team. That leadership includes spiritual leadership and being named team captain of the womens side last year as a Junior. As this season and school year quickly approaches, we took time to ask Kate what her expectations and hopes were for this coming season.

"My expectations are set high this season, not only for myself but for the team. In talking with Coach Natali I am very excited about our incoming freshmen; their talent and size will play a big role in taking our team to the next level. Our upperclassmen have great leadership skills and abilities that will help the freshmen make a smooth transition into college athletics...

...Personally, I am really excited about this season. I will be trying a couple of new events with the hopes of competing in the pentahalon and possibly the heptahalon. I would really like to compete at a high level come postseason. I have had the opportunity to compete at NAIA but I don't feel like I've been able to capitalize on those opportunities. I would really like that to change this year. Most of all I am excited for our team to come together and enjoy the opportunity to bring glory to God through athletics."

Kate's hopes, goals, and expectations for this coming season are exciting to hear. We can expect big things from Kate this season, and more importantly we can expect big things from the whole team because of Kates leadership and postive perspective.

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Meet Caitlyn Gager

Sophomore All-American Caitlyn Gager is this weeks Blue Wave Athlete of the Week

Hometown: Rockford, MI

Major: Youth Ministry

Favorite music: I can listen to just about anything. Somedays I'm in the mood for country,christian, or rock, while other days I want to dance along to rap!! :)

Favorite foods: Once again, this depends on the type of mood i'm in. Normally, I'm a "health nut" and love fresh cut fruit. On other days, I'm a sucker for mashed potatoes, and on occasion, a large bowl of cookies and cream ice cream!

Interest outside of track: Hmm...is there anything outside of track? haha...jk! Well, I love working with kids and sharing the good news of Christ. I'm a Wyldlife leader at John Young Middle School, teach gymnastics at a local gym back in my hometown, and I volunteer (in the summer) at the YWCA. Also, traveling is definitely a hobbie of mine.

Goals for the season: My goal for every season is to work as hard as I possibly can to glorify the Lord. "It's not always the end result that matters, it's the journey you take to get there"! I hope to be a leader, motivator, and competitor on and off the track!

Athletes Corner

A Seniors Expectations

Five time NAIA qualifier and two time NAIA All-American Chris Warhop is ready for another big year. Warhop, who is one of several seniors that plan to lead the Pilots to another successful season, has been training harder than any previous year. We had the oppurtunity to talk with Chris and ask him what his personal goals and expectations were for the season.

"I just want to work my butt off to glorify God on and off the track. And I feel that I owe it to all of my teammates to give it all I have. Im so ready for this season to begin because I feel like some tramendous feets are going to go down!"

Chris' goals for the season are simple but strong in content. As fall track approaches we look forward to seeing his leadership, work ethic, and team oriented goals come into play.

Look forward to more Athletes Corner in the future featuring comments, goals, and expectations from various team members.

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Meet Austin Roark

Bethel Newcomer Austin Roark is this weeks Blue Wave Athlete of the Week

Hometown: Greentown, Indiana

Major: Sign Language Interpretation

Favorite Music: Hip-Hop, R&B, Country

Favorite Food: Long John Silvers Chicken and More!! HaHa

Goals for the Season: To do the best of my ability. Work hard and stay focused. Compete in Conference Finals in LJ and TJ and possibly get out to Nationals in LJ and TJ. Just to do the best I can and have fun.

Why I chose BC: The people. All-around good people everywhere I went and I enjoyed meeting with coach and teammates. I feel that the team is a really good team and that the program is a good program that I can be involved with. Coach Natali was awesome and walking around campus with Geoff King and Zach Burrington really got me hooked. Away from the track perspective, the school and staff were extremely nice and I felt very comfortable. BC was the one place that I could see myself having fun.

California A Success

The Blue Wave's 18 Athletes find fun and success in California


This past season the Bethel College men's and women's track teams sent 18 athletes to Fresno California to compete in the NAIA National Track and Field Championships. The trip gave athletes the opportunity to bond with one another, experience the fun of California, and most importantly; compete against the best athletes in the country.

During competition the men were lead by Junior Zach Burrington who became a six time All-American in the pole vault. Also recieving All-American status was the 4x1 meter relay team which included All-American Senior Geoffrey King, All-American Juniors Chris Warhop, Brandon Thomas, and new comer Rod Waters. King also competed in the 200 meter dash, but was unable to reach All-American status for the first time, due to a hamstring pull. Rod Waters also competed in an indivisual sprint the 110 hurdles. Waters finished 10th in the event missing the finals by just one spot. Also leading the men was the 4x8 relay team composed of Juniors David Prieb, Andy Gray, and Sophomores Scott Robinson and Vincent Reel. The 4x8 team came into the meet ranked in the bottom half of the competing teams and left Fresno with a top 15 finish and a blistering new school record. Another school record was broken by team voted "hardest worker" Sophomore Calon Naragon. Naragon competed in the grueling marathon and was able to outlast the California sun and turn in a career best run. Rounding out the mens competition was Freshman J.J. Jackson. Jackson, who set the school shot put record this season, competed against stiff competition in his first national meet but still managed to finish higher than seeded.

The womens side was led by Freshman Caitlyn Gager. Gager was able to garner All-American honors in the pole vault giving her two All-American finishes in her young career. Fellow freshman Ann O'Keefe finished in the top ten of the pole vault and was only inches away from garnering her second All-American finish as well. In the running events the Pilots were led by Junior captain Kate Bishop. Bishop, who battled injury towards seasons end, was able to advance to the semi-finals of a loaded 400 meter hurdle field; and was rewarded with a top 15 finish. Bishop also competed in the 4x4 meter relay along with fellow Junior Kerri Goodrich, Sophomore Heather Rathbun, and Freshman Jessie Spearman. Coming off a new school record the inexperienced but highly rated Lady Pilot 4x4 team was able to hold their own against a tough field. The team came away with a top 20 finish and returns all four ladies this coming season.

With the loss of just one Senior among these athletes and four overall; the Pilots are looking forward to the possibilities of the 2007-2008 season. Run Throw Jump would like to say congrats to the 2007 National Outdoor qualifiers and wish them, as well as current and new Pilots great success this coming season.

California Here We Come

Track Sends 18 To Fresno For NAIA Nationals

The Bethel College track and field teams will be well represented at the NAIA National Championships May 24-26 in Fresno, California. Twelve men and six women have hit the standard and will be competing at this national event.

Leading the way for the men will dual event qualifiers Geoffrey King and Rod Waters. King will run the 200m and is the anchor of the 4x100m relay team that is currently ranked third in the country, while Waters will run the hurdles and is also a member of that relay team. Chris Warhop and Brandon Thomas will also compete in the 4x100m relay, while BJ Austin will serve as the relay alternate. The Pilots also have qualified the 4x800m relay team of Vincent Reel, Scott Robinson, David Prieb, and Andy Gray. Zach Burrington has qualified in the pole vault, JJ Jackson has hit the mark in the shot put, and Calon Naragon has qualified to run the marathon.

Pacing the women is dual event qualifier Kate Bishop. Bishop will run the 400m hurdles and is a member of the 4x400m relay team that is currently ranked ninth in the country. Other members of that relay team include Kerri Goodrich, Heather Rathbun, and Jessie Spearman. The Lady Pilots also have qualified a pair of freshman pole vaulters in Caitlyn Gager, who is currently ranked eighth, and Ann O’Keefe.

This will be the largest group that the Pilot track and field program has taken to the NAIA Outdoor National meet.

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Record Falls at Last Chance Meet

Women's Track 4x400m Team Shatters Record At Aquinas

The Bethel College men’s and women’s track teams participated at the Aquinas Twilight last chance meet and made the most of their opportunity.

The Bethel women’s 4x400m relay shattered the school record on their way to hitting the NAIA qualifying mark by running a time of 3:55.35. The team comprised of Kate Bishop, Heather Rathbun, Kerri Goodrich, and Jessie Spearman; came into the meet just .01 off the standard needed, and was looking to meet that mark. Instead, the relay exceeded that mark by knocking six seconds off of last weekends time. The Lady Pilots 4x4oom is currently ranked ninth in the country according to the latest NAIA performance lists.

Congrats to Kate Bishop, Heather Rathbun, Kerri Goodrich, and Jessie Spearman on a job well done, and on the new school record.

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Pilots Sail Well at NCCAA Meet

In the 2007 NCCAA National Meet, the Pilot men bared the rainy final day and finished 5th nationally at the event held at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana earning four national champions and five All—Americans in the process.

Placing 1st in the 100m dash was Geoffrey King with a time of 10.74. He also placed 1st in the 200m dash. The Pilot 4x100m relay team of King, Brandon Thomas, Chris Warhop, and Rod Waters placed 1st with a time of 41.30, a mark which puts them third in the nation currently in the NAIA.
In addition to King’s All—American efforts, four other Pilots earned All—American status: Bradon Thomas finished 2nd in the 400m run with a time of 49.23 and runner—up in the long jump with a leap of 22’11”, Rod Waters finished 2nd in the 400m hurdles with a time of 54.35 and third in the110m hurdles with a time of 15.03, Jeff Hardman finishing 2nd in the javelin with a toss of 169’11”, and Chris Warhop as part of the national champion 4x100m relay team.

The Bethel women’s track and field squad also had a strong meet and finished 6th nationally, earning five All—Americans.

Finishing runner—up and claiming All—American honors in the pole vault for the Lady Pilots were Caitlyn Gager and Ann O’Keefe, each clearing a height of 11’0”. Other Bethel All—Americans were 3rd place finishers Natalie Young in the javelin with a toss of 125’3”, Jessie Spearman in the 100m dash with a time of 12.81, and Kate Bishop in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:03.98. The Bethel women’s 4x100m relay team of Gager, O’Keefe, Spearman, and Bishop also placed 3rd with a time of 49.54.

The Bethel men’s and women’s track teams are back in action on Wednesday, May 9th at the Aquinas Invitational Meet. At Aquinas the Pilots hope to better distance, times, and marks for the upcoming NAIA national meet.

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King Recieves The Wheeler

Three Event Champion King Wins Wheeler Award At NCCAA Track Nationals

Bethel College senior sprinter Geoffrey King has received two of the NCCAA track and field's highest honors after winning three events at the national meet that concluded over the week end.

King was named Athlete of the meet due to his first-place finishes in the 100m and 200m as well as anchoring the winning 4x100m team. King then also was named the 2007 winner of the very prestigious NCCAA Wheeler Award. This award is given to the top track and field athlete of the year in the areas of athletic, academic, and character values. King is the third Bethel College athlete to win this award in the past five years after Erica Young won the award a year ago and Staci Weisser was named with this honor in 2003.

Track Places Nine On All-MCC Team

The Bluewave have placed nine individuals on the All Mid Central Conference team.

Receiving honors on the men’s side were senior sprinter Geoffrey King, who won the 100m and 200m at the MCC meet this past week end, juniors Brandon Thomas, Chris Warhop, and Rod Waters, and Freshman Jeff Hardman. Thomas won the 400m and finished second in the long jump and 200m, Warhop came in third in the long jump and in the 100m, Waters won the 400m hurdles while placing second in the 110m hurdles, and Hardman won the javelin. King, Thomas, and Waters were all a part of the conference champion 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams, while Warhop was a member of the 4x100m relay team.

Pacing the women receiving this honor were event winners junior Kate Bishop in the 400m hurdles, freshman Caitlyn Gager in the pole vault, and junior Natali Young in the javelin. Also, named all conference was freshman Jessie Spearman who finished third in the 100m and 200m. Spearman was also a member of the conference runner up 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams.

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Pilots Fight Hard; Earn Second

Track Men and Women Finish Second At MCC Meet

The Bethel College men’s and women’s track teams both finished second at the MCC meet held at Indiana Wesleyan University on Saturday, April 27. The men finished with 184 points behind only Indiana Wesleyan with 208 points, while the women tallied 141 points to Indiana Wesleyan’s 195.5 points.

Pacing the men was senior sprinters Geoffrey King and Brandon Thomas. King won the 100m at 10.75 and the 200m while Thomas won the 400m at 49.60, finished second in the 200m and placed second in the long jump at 22—1. Other event winners were Rod Waters in the 400m hurdles at 55.53 and Jeff Hardman at 177—8 in the javelin. The Pilots also claimed top honors in both the 4x100m relay at 41.51 and the 4x400m relay at 3:20.27. The 4x100m team was made up of King, Thomas, Waters, and Chris Warhop, while the 4x400m relay team consisted of King, Waters, Thomas, and Jontae Randolph. The men’s 4x800m team of Andy Gray, Scott Robinson, Vincent Reel, and David Prieb finished third with an NAIA Nationals qualifying time of 7:51.48.

The women were led by three event winners. Kate Bishop won the 400m hurdles at 1:05.66 in an NAIA Nationals qualifying time, while Natalie Young won the javelin at 122—3 and Caitlyn Gager won the pole vault at 11—0. Placing second for the Lady Pilots were Ann O’Keefe in the pole vault at 10—0 and Holly Farrer in the shot put at 38—0. The 4x100m relay team of Bishop, O’Keefe, Gager, and Jessie Spearman at 50.10, and the 4x400m relay team of Bishop, Spearman, Heather Rathbun, and Kerri Goodich alos placed second in the meet.

The Pilots placed nine individuals on the All—MCC team. The men that received that honor were King, Thomas, Warhop, Waters, and Hardman. The women were Bishop, Spearman, Young, and Gager.

Bethel will next compete at NCCAA Outdoor Nationals at Taylor University on Friday and Saturday, May 4—5.

Sorry From the Staff

Those who help run the blog would like to apologize for the lack of 2007 outdoor season updates. Although the upcoming stories are late we hope that their content was read on the official athletic website. If you haven't read these stories, we are happy to republish the Bethel website stories and authentically write the others

Three Pilots Reach The Podium

Track and Field Trio Turn In NAIA All-American Efforts

Meet Summary
The Bethel College Track & Field teams competed at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championship Meet this weekend in Johnson City, Tennessee and left with three All—American places at the meet.

Bethel junior, Zach Burrington, placed 4th nationally in the men’s pole vault clearing a height of 15’9”. On the women’s side, Bethel freshmen, Caitlyn Gager and Ann O’Keefe, placed 4th and 6th respectively in the nation in the women’s pole vault. Gager cleared a height of 11’11_” while O’Keefe cleared the 11’5_” mark. For there efforts, Burrington, Gager, and O’Keefe earned NAIA All—American honors.

Other participants in the NAIA national meet were senior Geoffrey King, Juniors Rod Waters, Chris Warhop and Kate Bishop, and Freshman Jessie Spearman.

We at Run Throw Jump would like to say congrats to these athletes, and our three All-Americans for a job well done in Tennessee. Their time and effort has truly paid off. Also, a congrats is extended to all the coaches and athletes in the program for a very successful 2007 indoor season.

Up next for the Pilots is the outdoor season, with the first meet this Saturday at Defiance College Track & Field Invitational in Defiance, Ohio.
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Blue Wave head to Johnson City

Track Sends Ten Athletes To NAIA Indoor Nationals

The Bethel College Track team will be represented by ten athletes at the NAIA Indoor National Track and Field Meet to be held March 8-10 in Johnson City, Tennessee. This will be the largest group that the Pilots have advanced to the national meet.

The men will be led by two event qualifier, senior Geoffrey King. King will run the 55m dash and the 200m dash. Junior Chris Warhop will also compete in the 55m dash while fellow junior Rod Waters will represent the Pilots in the 55m hurdles. Junior Zach Burrington rounds out the field for the men and will compete in the pole vault.

The women will be represented by four pole vaulters and a pair of sprinters. The vaulters for the Lady Pilots include freshman Caitlyn Gager, freshman Ann O’Keefe, sophomore Danae Ellison, and junior Bekah Laman. Junior Kate Bishop will compete in the 200m and freshman Jessie Spearman will run the 55m.

All of us here at the BCrunthrowjump wish these ten athelets the best of luck down in Tennessee. We have faith that these competitors will perform well; and we know that they will represent themselves, the team, and the college in a positive way.

Results from the NAIA National Meet will be posted as soon as they are available. For more information on the meet itself, visit http://naia.com

Success At NCCAA Nationals

Track Led By Four National Champions At NCCAA Indoor Nationals

The Bethel College Track and Field program performed very well at the NCCAA Indoor Nationals held at Taylor University on Saturday, paced by 4 National Champions. Senior Geoffrey King was a 2—event national champion, finishing first in both the 55m sprint in a time of 6.43, and in the 200m dash in a time of 22.28. Junior Rod Waters was a national champion in the 55m hurdles with a time of 7.44. And Junior Chris Warhop earned national champion honors in the long jump with a leap of 22’6”. King, Waters, and Warhop all earned All—American honors for their performances.

Joining the trio as NCCAA All—Americans were Freshman Alex Walsh, national runner—up in the triple jump with a mark of 41’11”, Junior Zach Burrington, national runner—up in the pole vault clearing 16’0”, and the Pilot 4x400m relay team of King, Waters, Sophomore Vincent Reel, and Freshman Jontae Randolph with a national runner—up time of 3:26.

Also earning NCCAA All—American recognition were Warhop in the 200m dash with a third place time of 23.14, and the Bethel 4x800m relay team of David Prieb, Scott Robinson, Ben Collard, and Ryan Waybright with a third place time of 8:14. Overall, the Bethel men’s track team placed 5th at the NCCAA Indoor National Meet with 9 All—American places.

On the women’s side, Bethel was led by a pair of national runner—ups: Freshman Caitlyn Gager in the pole vault clearing 11’7”, and Freshman Jessie Spearman in the 55m sprint with a time of 7.41. Joining Gager and Spearman as NCCAA All—Americans were Freshman pole vaulter Ann O’Keefe clearing 10’10”, Freshman Holly Farrer in the shot put with a mark of 36’6”, and Junior Kate Bishop in the 200m dash with a time of 26.12. Overall, the Pilot women’s track team placed 6th at the NCCAA Indoor National Meet with 5 All—Americans.

Team & Individual Results

The Bethel College Track teams will next be competing at the NAIA Indoor Nationals at Johnson City, Tennessee on March 9—10.

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Athletes Soar High In The Classroom

Track Pair Named NCCAA Scholar-Athletes

Two members of the Bethel College women’s track and field team have been recognized as NCCAA All-American Scholar Athletes. Kate Bishop, a junior from DeKalb HS, and Bekah Laman, a junior from Luddington, Michigan HS have both received this distinguished honor.

Bishop qualified for NCCAA Nationals in the 55m hurdles with a time of 9.12, and also qualified in the 200m at 26.48. She is a Psychology major with a cumulative grade point average of 3.756.

Laman qualified for NCCAA Nationals in the pole vault at 10’8” and is an Elementary Education major with a GPA of 3.909.

Pilots Sail Past the Competition at GVSU

Six First-Place Finishes Paces Track Team At GVSU

Meet Summary
Grand Rapids Championships

The Bethel College Track and Field teams competed at the extremely competitive Grand Rapids Championships hosted by Grand Valley State over the week—end. The Pilots came away with six first place finishes during the course of the meet.

Leading the way on the men’s side was Senior sprinter Geoffrey King who was a dual event winner coming away with the 55m at 6.48 and the 200m at 22.30. Junior hurdler Rod Waters won the 55n hurdles with a time of 7.43. Waters time currently places him first in the nation according to the latest NAIA Indoor National rankings. Other top finishes were turned in by Junior Zach Burrington in the pole vault at 16’3”, and Freshmen Jontae Randolph in the 400m at 52.69 and JJ Jackson in the shot put at 46’6”. Runners up for the Pilots included Junior Chris Warhop in the long jump at 22’2”, Senior Chase Bislow in the triple jump at 43’2”, and Freshman Brandon Hooven in the shot put at 43’8”. Warhop also placed third in the 55m at 6.61.

Pacing the women’s squad was Freshman sprinter Jessie Spearman. Spearman placed second in both the 55m at 7.49 and the 200m at 26.87. A pair of Freshmen also earned runner up honors for the Lady Pilots. Caitlyn Gager was second in the pole vault 11’1, and Holly Farrer placed second in the shot put at 40’8”. Farrer also placed third in the weight throw at 34’5”. Other third place finishes were turned in by Junior Kate Bishop in the 200m at 26.99, Sophomore Shelby Morrow in the 800m at 2:27, and Freshman pole vaulter Ann O’Keefe who vaulted 11’1”.
Team & Individual Results

The Bethel College Track program will next compete at NCCAA Indoor Nationals held on Saturday, February 24 at Taylor University. The Pilots have qualified 21 men and 21 women for this national meet.

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Track And Field Fun

Success and Bonding Equal Advancement for the Pilots

Success and competition means a lot to the Bethel Pilot Track teams; but fun and fellowship mean just as much to the advancement of the program. So, here are a handful of pictures that show some of the fun times that the Blue Wave have had so far after a month of successful indoor team meets.

Pilots Continue to Impress At Taylor Indoor

Blue Wave Blow Through the Competition

Team & Individual Results
The Pilot track and field program had a very impressive day at the Taylor University indoor track meet by hitting the NAIA National Indoor mark five times and eclipsing the NCCAA National mark 16 times.

Leading the way for the men’s team were NAIA Indoor National qualifiers Senior Geoffrey King in the 55m at 6.48 and Junior Rod Waters in the 55m hurdles at 7.56. Both athletes won their respective events. NCCAA qualifiers on the men’s side include Junior Chris Warhop in the 55m at 6.67, in the 200m at 23.12, and in the long jump at 22—3. Warhop won the long jump, came in fourth to King in the 55m, and came in third in the 200m. Freshman BJ Austin qualified for NCCAA Nationals in the 55m at 6.82 as did Senior triple jumper Chase Bislow at 43—9, who won the event, and Freshman shot putter JJ Jackson who threw 45—4 which was good enough for fifth place. The other event winner for the Pilots was King in the 200m at 22.66. Third place finishers on the men’s side included Junior Zach Burrington in the pole vault at 15—0, the 4x400m relay team of Waters, Freshmen Jontae Randolph and Brad Wilson, and Sophomore Vincent Reel, and the 4x800m relay team of Randolph, Juniors David Prieb and Andy Gray, and Sophomore Scott Robinson.

Three Lady Pilots hit the NAIA Indoor national qualifying mark. Junior Kate Bishop ran a 26.48 in the 200m and Freshman Jessie Spearman ran a 7.44 in the 55m to qualify on the track, and Freshman Ann O’Keefe also qualified for NAIA Nationals in the pole vault at 11—5. Bishop and Spearman won their events, while O’Keefe’s vault got her second place. NCCAA Nationals qualifiers included O’Keefe in the 55m at 7.82, Spearman in the 200m at 26.84, Bishop in the 55m hurdles at 9.12, Junior Kerri Goodrich in the 400m at 1:03.79, and the 4x400m relay team of Spearman, Bishop, and Sophomores Shelby Morrow and Heather Rathbun at 4:10.04. Spearman was second in the 200m, Bishop was fifth in the 55m hurdles, and the 4x400m relay team finished third in the meet. Other third place finishers for the women were Freshmen Alicia Derr in the weight throw at 36—3 and Caitlyn Gager in the pole vault at 10—6.

The Pilots will next compete at the Goshen Indoor Meet at Goshen College on Friday, February 9.

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Success At Findlay

Pilots Compete Well in Competitive First Meet

The Pilots qualified five individuals in six events for NAIA Indoor Nationals and 17 individuals in 21 events for NCCAA Indoor Nationals on the opening week—end of the indoor track season at the University of Findlay meet in Findlay, Ohio this week—end.

Senior Geoffrey King won the 55m sprint with a time of 6.48 and came in second in the 200m sprint at 22.43. Both times are NAIA National qualifying times. Junior Rod Waters came in second in the 55m hurdles at 7.78 which also is an NAIA qualifying mark. The last NAIA male qualifier for the Pilots was junior Zach Burrington who won the pole vault at 15—11.

Other men that reached the NCCAA Indoor qualifying marks include three event qualifier junior Chris Warhop who hit the mark in the 55m at 6.84, in the 200m at 23.84, and in the long jump at 20—6 which was good enough for an eighth place finish. Other event qualifiers are senior Chase Bislow in the triple jump at 42—6 which was a seventh place finish, and freshman shot putters JJ Jackson at 42—3 and Brandon Hooven at 41—8. The 4x400m relay team of King, Waters, freshman Jontae Randolph, and junior David Prieb also ran a time of 3:31.77 which qualified.

On the women’s side, there were a pair of NAIA Indoor National qualifiers. Freshman pole vaulters Caitlyn Gager and Ann O’Keefe both qualified at the Reno Summit with heights of 11—4 each. NCCAA qualifiers include a pair of dual event qualifiers in junior Kate Bishop hit the mark in the 55m hurdles at 9.32 and the 200m at 26.89, while freshman Jessie Spearman qualified in the 55m at 7.55, missing the finals by just two spots in her college debut. Spearman also qualified in the 200m at 27.34. Sole event qualifiers are junior Becca Laman in the pole vault at 10—8, sophomore Danae Ellison in the pole vault at 10—8, and freshman Holly Farrer in the shot put at 37—5. The 4x400m relay team of Bishop, sophomore Heather Rathbun, junior Kerri Goodrich, and sophmore Shelby Morrow ran a time of 4:20.79 to qualify. Morrow was also able to put together an eleventh place finish in the 600 meter run, which was the highest finish in the running events for the lady Pilots.
Meet Results

The Bethel College track teams will next compete at the Taylor University Indoor Meet to be held next Saturday, February 3.

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Meet Scott Robinson

Sophomore Scott Robinson is this weeks Blue Wave male Pilot of the week

Hometown- Havre, Montana

Major- Youth Ministry/AA Biblical studies

Favorite Music- Im a country boy

Favorite Food- Any kind of wild game Elk, Deer, Antelope. Also bacon cheeseburgers

Goals For This Season: Indoor- NAIA in 600- get ready for outdoor. Outdoor- NAIA Jav, 4X800 Christian Nationals and/or NAIA, Serve God and honor him through the season.

Meet Mozy Thiel

Distance runner Mozy Thiel is this weeks Blue Wave female Pilot of the week


Hometown: Angola, Indiana

Major: Psychology

Favorite Music: oldies

Favorite Movie: Tombstone

Favorite Books: A Walk Across America, Harry Potter, Lord of the rings, The DaVinci Code, A Walk West, Angels and Demons, secret life of Bees, Of mice and Men

Favorite Food: Tomato soup and grilled cheese

Goals For This Season: to keep a positive attitude no matter what happens, to run my best and never be disappointed, and to be there to encourage others

Pole Vaulters Shine Bright In Reno

Vault Duo Break Record, Qualify For Nationals

This past weekend the Bethel College pole vaulters took their annual trip to Reno Nevada bonding, fun and to compete in the Pole Vault Summit. While at the meet, two of our women pole vaulters; freshmen Ann O'keefe and Caitlyn Gager, broke the the school and qualified for the NAIA indoor national meet with jumps of 11 feet 3 inches respectively. Big congrats to both ladies for a job well done, and congrats to the whole BCPV crew for a wonderful job and representation at the Pole Vault Summit. for

**NOT PICTURED; Ann O'keefe

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A New Season Is Here

Track and Field Pre-Season Outlook

The Pilot Track and Field program is coming off its most successful season during the 2006 year where both the men’s and women’s teams captured Mid-Central Conference Championships. Both sides came down to the final race, the 4x400m relay, before the conference championships were decided. The men’s team also finished 16th in the nation at the NAIA Outdoor National Meet held last May in Fresno, California. Head coach Tony Natali anticipates another stellar year during 2007.

“We are greatly anticipating what is ahead of us during the 2007 season,” says Natali. “We are looking forward to the challenges that we will face this year. Most importantly, we are excited to once again glorify Christ through the efforts and continued hard work that we all put into the Bethel College Track program."

"This season will be one that we will dedicate to bettering ourselves individually which, in the long run, will benefit the entire team as a whole," added Natali. "We want to enjoy the journey. It’s all about every day that we have together. Once we maximize that, the outcomes will take care of themselves.”

The men are led by senior dual NAIA All-American Geoffrey King. King finished 4th in the nation in the 200m at last season’s NAIA Outdoor National meet. King was also the anchor for the 4th place finishing 4x100m relay team. Other returning members of the 4x100m relay team include Juniors Chris Warhop and Brandon Thomas. Warhop will be counted on heavily to contribute in the sprints and the jumps while Thomas will help greatly in the sprint to mid distance area as well as the jumps. Junior pole-vaulter Zach Burrington completes the returning All-Americans for the Pilots. Burrington finished 5th at last season’s Nationals.

Other returners that Coach Natali will lean on heavily include Senior jumpers Chase Bislow and Adam Cramer, Junior distance runners Andy Gray, Kyle Steury, David Prieb, and Jay Edwards, Junior thrower Travis LaVine, Junior vaulter Adam Short, Sophomore distance runners AJ Sullivan, Scott Robinson (also javelin), Ben Collard, and Calon Naragon, Sophomore hurdler Chase Healey, Sophomore sprinter Nate Phillips, and Sophomore jumper William Walker. Of that group, Prieb, Collard, and Phillips have participated at the NAIA Outdoor National meet last season.

Coach Natali is extremely excited about his talented group of new comers on the men’s side. Junior hurdler Rod Waters and sophomore distance runner Vincent Reel will be the most experienced of the group. Waters has participated at Vincennes JC for the past two years while Reel has one year of experience under his belt at Butler JC in Kansas. Other new comers include Sophomore sprinter/jumper BJ Austin, Freshman sprinter Brad Wilson, Freshman mid distance runners Jontae Randolph and Caleb Hatfield, Freshman distance runners Ryan Waybright, Jared Mead, Will Cramer, and Raymond Dutweiller, Freshman throwers Brandon Hooven, JJ Jackson, Knox Capre, Seth Thompson, and Jeff Hardman, and Freshman jumper and javelin thrower Alex Walsh. New javelin throwers Joel Hartsell and Josh Watts round out the men’s roster.

The women are led by NAIA National Qualifiers Junior sprinter/hurdler Kate Bishop, Junior mid distance runners/hurdlers Emily Weaver and Kerri Goodrich, and Sophomore mid distance runner Heather Rathbun. This season’s lone Senior is distance runner Jessica Mead. Other Juniors include vaulter Bekah Laman, distance runners Ashley Imhoff and Allison Schuck, thrower Ashley Sparks, and jumper/javelin thrower Natalie Young. Sophomores that Coach Natali are counting on include sprinter Calyn Zahl, hurdler Dawn Heckman, throwers Lacey Litteral, Brittany Cook and Nikki Hinton, mid distance runner Shelby Morrow, distance runners Alison Gingrich and Mozy Thiel, and vaulter Danae Ellison.

The newcomers on the women’s side are also extremely talented. That group includes sprinter Jessie Spearman, mid distance runners Becca Prieb and Laura Miller, distance runners Ashley Wray, Laura Winningham, and Katie Heisey, throwers Holly Farrer, Alicia Derr, and Lyndee Flint, and vaulters Caitlyn Gager and Ann O’Keefe.

The indoor season kicks off on Friday, January 26 at the University of Findlay. Other indoor meets include the Taylor Invitational, the Goshen Meet, the Grand Valley State Invitational, followed by NCCAA Nationals and the NAIA Indoor Championships in Johnson City, Tennessee.

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Highlighted Hopefulls

The Bethel College Track Teams Look To Score Big With Talented Recruits.

With the eve of a new season quickly approaching, and the thought of another senior class seeing their last seaon; the men's and women's track to teams are looking at a group of talented highlighted recruits to join them for the 2008 season. The potential class for 2008 is a talented group, filled with athletes that can do special things in different areas of Track & Field.

Men:

• Jory Hardman- Penn
• Alex Tomsheck- Michigan City
• Doug Slabaugh- Wawasee
• Phil Yike- Elkhart Central
• Zac Chapman- East Noble
• John Jarvis- Indpls. Roncalli
• CJ Rumpf- Niles, MI
• Andrew Schroeder- Homestead
• Chris Newman- S.B. Washington
• Daniel Hoskins- Floyd Central

Women:

• Jessica Derr- Indpls. Luthren
• Bianca Gilden- Gary Wirt
• Diamond Smith- S.B. St. Joe
• Nichole Arnold- Southport
• Beenne Capre- Northwood
• Amberly Krajniak- White Pigeon, MI
• Missy Gowand- Jimtown
• Alexandria Ray- Michigan City

Bethel College is excited at the thought of having all of these young men and women join them in the 2008 season.

Pilots Cash In On Stellar Recruits

The Bethel Pilot "Blue Wave" Mens and Womens Track Teams have scored big with early season commitments.

On the mens side, the Pilots are happy to announce the commitments of:

• David Richmand- Merriville


• Caleb Jackson- Gobles, MI

On the womens side, the Pilots are delighted to announce the commitments of:

• Kelly Hosaflock- Penn


• Amy Hausner- Maconaquah


• Samantha Hartsough- Bremen
  
• Kati Bentler- Homestead

On behalf of all the individuals involved in the Bethel College Track & Field Program, we would like to say welcome to all the new Pilots. We can't wait to see you in Bethel Blue next season!

Meet Heather Rathbun

Sophomore Heather Rathbun is the Blue Wave female Pilot of the week

From: Akron, Indiana

Major: Business Administration with a minor in Biology

Favorite Music: Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B

Favorite Food: My mom's Chicken and Rice

Goals For This Season: To compete in the National meet again, break 60 in the open 400 Dash

Meet Knox Capre

Freshman Knox Capre is the Blue Wave male Pilot of the week

From: Pettionville, Haiti

Major: Biology

Music: A little bit of everything, but mostly Hip-Hop

Goals For This Season: Throw to the best of my ability, glorify God in all I do, and have fun!

Preseason Meet Quickly Approaching

With the 2007 season quickly approaching, the Pilots are taking steps towards success.

This Friday a handful of Pilots will be competing in a non-scheduled preseason meet at Grand Valley University, in preperation for the upcoming season. Athletes had the choice of competing this weekend or take advantage of the facilities that Bethel is currently lacking. During this meet, Bethel will be represented by a host of vaulters, long/triple jumpers and throwers. Although the meet will not count on schedule, it will surely be a measuring stick for each athlete and their development.

Results from the pre-season meet will be posted as soon as they are available.

Field Events Anchor the Pilots

With the 2007 season quickly approaching the Pilots will be looking to upper classmen field event standouts Chris Warhop, Travis LaVine, and Zach Burrington for leadership and points.

Chris is a standout long jumper for the Pilots and managed to lead the team in points earned in the jumps during the 2006 season. Chris was also able to put together an impressive late season push that included a conference championship, a new school record, and a qualification to the NAIA National Championships. In 2007 Warhop looks to become an impact sprinter, better his standing school record in the long jump, defend his conference title and become an NAIA All-American. With his pre-season work and new versatility in speed and hops; the sky seems to be the limit for Chris.

Travis LaVine is the strong, experienced throws captain for the 2007 season. During last seasons conference meet, Travis was able to come up with key throws that helped give the Pilots points that lead to their victory. Even with that high, There were some lows for Travis. He twice came up inches short of competing in both the indoor and outdoor NAIA National Championships; after those disappointments Travis is primed for his breakout season. During the Pilots preseason, Travis has pushed and been pushed by Freshman Eric Cody, JJ Jackson, and Brandon Hooven. With the new horses under his wing Travis will be looking to lead by example and throw his way to an appearance at the National meets.

Zach Burrington is a NAIA household name. Burrington has been an NAIA All-American multiple times; not to mention a conference champion and NCCAA All-American. In his Junior season, look for Burrington to again lead the Pilots in the all around field event category and in team leadership. He has visable hard work ethic and leads by example; those traits alone give Zach's vaulting teammates and extended track family a spark. That spark should help lead the Pilots to another successful season.