Hall of Fame

Bethel College Athletic Hall of Fame

Billy Nelson

Billy attended Bethel from 1970-1974 and was very intense as a guard on the basketball team. Billy is considered the best golfer in Bethel’s history and he claims the college golf record for the lowest season and career average. Since Bethel days he has won the Mishawaka City Golf Championship nine times, including the last four years (‘91, ‘92, ‘93, and ‘94). He is also the 1994 St. Joseph County Champion.

Bob Long

Bob was a key person in a very important phase of the athletic program at Bethel College. He ushered in the basketball excitement with the opening of Goodman Auditorium. He is remembered well for his enthusiasm, encouragement, and counsel. Coached from 1959-1963. Bob had a heart for athletics and knew what his coaching could do for young people. He was a good role model.

Dick Patterson

A 1974 Bethel College graduate, and the outstanding baseball coach at Bethel College from 1974-1994. His records and honors include:

Jack Edison

A 1967 Bethel College graduate. His honors include:

As Plymouth Varsity head coach his honors include:

Mike Lightfoot

A 1978 graduate from Bethel College, three year letterman in basketball, athletic director and basketball coach for 7 years. His honors include:

He was a leader in integrating Christian faith with athletics. He has been using basketball as a tool for an overseas missions outreach. Teams have gone to Monterrey Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. In 7 years of coaching his record is 197 wins and 63 losses for a winning percentage of 75.8%.

Jody Martinez

A 1990 Bethel graduate. He is considered the outstanding basketball player in Bethel’s history. His jersey was retired in 1991. His records include:

His honors include:

Jody played on 2 task force teams overseas to the Dominican Republic and Mexico. He was an assistant coach on Bethel’s ’92 and ’93 NCCAA national championship teams.

Dean Weirich

A 1976 honor student graduate committed to the game of basketball. He set a single season record of 665 points and a game average of 229 points, hitting 49.5% from the floor. His honors include:

Karen (Prochno) Brenneman

Graduated from Bethel College in 1981. Karen was the first woman to receive a Bethel athletic scholarship. During her four years at Bethel she lettered in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She was co-captain of the volleyball team in 1979 and Captain in 1980. She helped lead Bethel volleyball to its first winning season in 1978, its first invitation to a national tournament in 1979, and a 2nd place finish at the Messiah-NCCAA National Invitational Tournament in 1980.

Roberto Smith

Receiving the most valuable player award for four years, Roberto is considered to be the best soccer player to have attended Bethel College. His awards include:

Deb (Sousley) Oke

Deb joined the Bethel College volleyball program in 1980 as a setter and an outside hitter. She led the 1981 team to the first district championship. She was a member of the 1981 NCCAA All-District Team. She has served as an assistant to the Bethel volleyball program since 1991. During her coaching tenure 2 NCCAA national championships were won.

Steve Brown

Steve’s honors include:

Aaron Carpenter

Aaron’s honors include:

Andrew Carpenter

Andrew’s honors include:

Lori (Wulliman) Spellman

Lori’s honors include:

Dave Franklin

Dave’s honors include:

Homer Drew

Coach Drew came to Bethel in 1976 and established the Pilots as one of the premier small-college basketball programs in the Mid-West. In 11 seasons he won 252 games against 110 losses. Coach Drew’s honors include:

Coach Drew also served as athletic director and professor. He became the head coach at Valparaiso University where he guided the crusaders to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1998.

Kerry (Gardner) Sasser

Kerry was a foundational athlete for Bethel’s Women’s athletic programs. Her honors include:

Doug Snyder

Doug’s honors include:

Dick Armington

Dick graduated from Bethel in 1980. He starred on the men’s basketball team. His honors include:

Tom Firestone

Coach Firestone came to Bethel College in 1971 and took over the men’s basketball program that had been losing for several years. In five years he was able to develop a successful and respectable basketball program. His accomplishments as a coach include:

Elizabeth “Liz” Hossler

Liz started coaching at Bethel in 1976. She helped lay the foundation of women’s athletics during her coaching seasons. She was the head coach for volleyball, basketball, and softball for five years. In 1981-82 she continued to coach volleyball and softball. She coached volleyball for 14 years, softball for 9 years, and basketball for 5 years. Her accomplishments as a coach include:

Debbie (Hesch) Shively

Debbie’s honors include:

S. Ivan Lopes

Ivan’s honors include:

Don Zawlocki

Don’s honors include:

David G. Slater

b.1961 - d.2001
“The Heart and the Voice of the Pilots”

Dave came to Bethel College as a student in 1980 from Flint Academy, Flint, Michigan. He was an Eagle Scout, National Honor Society President, football player, and MVP of his baseball team at Flint Academy. A student manager, he was soon a mainstay of Pilot athletics. He kept scorebooks and statistics, wrote press releases and media guides, and became sports information director. He was also a writer for the South Bend Tribune and other publications. He was a peerless announcer for basketball, volleyball, baseball, and soccer. He served as resident director of Ramsayer Hall (1992-93) and Oakwood Hall (1993-2001). He was a mentor to countless young men, encourager of coaches and players, faithful friend, raconteur, and a thoughtful, literate, compassionate man of prayer. Dave was present at more Bethel College athletic events over the past two decades (1980-2001) than any other person-keeping score, announcing, analyzing, cheering, and praying.

Dave Troyer

Dave’s honors include:

His records include:

Brian Bechtel

Brian’s honors include:

His records include:

Lisa Edison

Lisa’s honors include:

Jerome Calderone

Jerome’s honors include:

Upon graduation his records included:

Kevin Fulton

Kevin’s honors include:

Upon graduation his records included:

Randy Glingle

Randy’s honors include:

His records include:

Mark Galloway

Mark Galloway graduated in 1996 with a BA degree in Physical Education (K-12). Mark was a four-year letter winner in basketball and is considered one of the best shooting guards in Bethel College Basketball history. He was a first team NAIA All-American during his senior year. He was also named the MVP in the 1995 NAIA National Tournament. Mark was a 2-time NCCAA All-American (’93 & ’95). Mark was also a 2-time Mid-Central Conference 1st Team Player. He was a member of the two NCCAA National Championship Teams (’92, ’93). When Mark graduated, he was the all-time leading scorer with 2,622 points (currently 2nd). Mark is married to Dawn and has two sons: Zachary (9) and Trey (2). Mark is currently the head boy’s basketball coach and a physical education teacher at Carmel High School (IN). He and his family attend the Hazel Dell Christian Church.

Jennifer Mumaw

Jennifer (Howell) Mumaw graduated in 1996 with a BA degree in Psychology. Jennifer graduated as a “Magna Cum Laude” and received the award for “Outstanding Senior Psychology Major”. Jennifer was a four-year letter winner in softball and will always be remembered for having her uniform number retired (#5). Currently, Jennifer still holds many softball records: 1st in season (81) and career (251) hits; 1st in runs scored in a season (72) and career (200); 1st in stolen bases in a season (40) and career (115); 1st in games played in a season (55); and 1st in defensive assists in a career (424). She was an NAIA All-American, NFCA All-American, 2-time NCCAA All-American, 2-time NAIAL & NCCAA Academic All-American, and a 4-time Mid-Central Conference 1st Team Player. Jennifer is married to Jason and has one son: Carson Joseph (1 _). Jennifer and her family attend Cedar Road Missionary Church.

Julia Reininga

Julia Reininga graduated in 1997 with a BA degree in Recreation Administration. Julia was a four-year letter winner in volleyball and was awarded the Ron D. Paulsen Award her senior (’96). Julia had her uniform number retired (# 7). She was a 1st team NAIA All-American, 2-time NCCAA All-American, 2-time NCCAA All-District Player of the Year, 3-time NCCAA National All-Tournament Team, 3-time NAIA All-Region, and a 4-time Mid-Central Conference 1st team player. She was a member on the 2-time NCCAA National Championship Teams (’93 & ’94). Julia is currently the head volleyball coach and a physical education teacher at Bethel College. She is in her 5th season as a head coach and served three seasons as an assistant coach. She played professional volleyball after her graduation: 4 years in the Midwest Professional Volleyball Association and 7 years in the USVA (United States Volleyball Association). Julia attends Christ the King Lutheran Church.

Karl Black

Karl Black graduated in 1995 with a BA degree in Liberal Studies. Karl was a four-year letter winner in soccer and is considered one of the best defenders in Bethel College Soccer history. He was a first team NCCAA All-American during his senior year in 1991. He was also named team captain for three years. Karl was a 2-time All-Mid-Central Conference 1st Team Player (’90, ’91). He was also named to the 1989 NCCAA All-Regional Team. Karl is married to Danielle and has three sons: Braden (4), Kole (2) and Owen (1 month). Karl and his family attend St. Mark Missionary Church where he serves as the youth pastor.

Jack Carpenter

Jack Carpenter graduated in 1986 with a BA degree in Elementary Education. Jack received his Master’s degree in 1994 in Elementary Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. Jack was a four-year letter winner in basketball and golf. Jack is considered one of the top long range shooters in Bethel College Basketball history. Currently, Jack still remains in the basketball record books: 5th in career free-throw % (83.9); 7th in single season free throw % (87.3% in ’83-’84); 10th in career field goal % (55.5%); and 22nd in career scoring (1,463 points). Jack’s other basketball accomplishments were: an All-American (HM) in the NCCAA in 1984, 2-time NCCAA All-District (’83, ’84), Mid-Central Conference 1st Team (’84) and 2-time All-NAIA District Team – HM (’84, ’85). In golf, Jack was a 2-time Mid-Central Conference 1st Team (’83, 84), NAIA All-District (’83), and NCCAA All-District (’83). Jack is married to Lisa and has two sons: Griffyn (12); Quentyn (11) and one daughter: Lindsey (11). Jack is currently an elementary teacher and coach in the Triton School Corporation. Jack and his family attend Warsaw Community Church.

Nicole Matunas

Nicole Matunas graduated in 1996 with a BA degree in Secondary English Education. Nicole received her Master’s degree in Education at Lee University in 1999 with honors. Nicole was a four-year letter winner in softball and basketball. Her softball accomplishments were: 1st team NCCAA All-American in 1996 as a catcher, member of the 1995 NCCAA National Champions, 1st team on the NCCAA All-Tournament Team in 1995, 3-time Mid-Central Conference Team (’93, ’95, ’96), 3-time NCCAA All-Region Team (’93, ’95, ’96), 2-time NAIA All-District (’95, ’96), and played professionally for Georgia Pride in 1997. Upon graduation, “Nikki” broke some basketball records: career assists with 469 (2nd), games played with 126 (8th), and single season assists with 150 (4th). Nicole is currently the head softball coach and a teacher at Cleveland City Schools in Tennessee and attends Mt. Olive Church of God.

Lorne Oke

Lorne Oke graduated in 1986 with a BA Degree in Secondary Education in Physical Education and Math Education. Lorne received his Master’s Degree from Indiana University in 1991 in Secondary Education. He completed his Doctorate Degree (Eh.D.) in Instructional Systems Technology in 2003 at Indiana University. Lorne was the head women’s volleyball coach for eight years, which included winning three National Championships in the NCCAA in 1992, 1993, and 1998. His overall coaching record was 240-94 with his two best seasons coming in 1996 and 1998 with a record of 46-4. He also coached the 1998 team to the first (in school’s history) visit to the NAIA National Tournament by winning a five-state regional. Lorne was a 3-time NCCAA National Coach of the Year, Mid-Central Conference Coach of the Year, and has coached four NAIA All-Americans and 10 NCCAA All-Americans. Lorne is married to Debbie (Sousley) and they have four children: Katie (17), Kristie (15), Emily (12), and Connor (8). Lorne is an Assistant Vice-President and an Associate Professor of Education at Bethel College. Lorne and his family attend St. Mark Missionary Church.

Drew Peterson

Drew Peterson graduated in 1991 with a BA Degree in Elementary Education. Drew received his Master of Ministries Degree in 1996 at Bethel College. Drew was the head softball coach for ten years, which included winning the NCCAA National Championship in 1995. His overall coaching record was 279-150-2 with his best season coming in 1995 with 45 wins. Drew also led his 2000 softball team to its highest NAIA ranking in school’s history (12th). Drew was a 7-time Mid-Central Conference Coach of the Year, 4-time NCCAA Region 4 Coach of the Year, 2-time NAIA Region 21 Coach of the Year, and the 1995 NCCAA National Coach of the Year. His teams won the Mid-Central Conference 6 times out of his 10 seasons. He has coached 4-NAIA All-Americans and 13-NCCAA All-Americans. Drew is married to Jennifer (Miller) and they have four sons: John (11), Josh (9), Noah (6), and Benjamin (1). Drew is currently the head softball coach at Campbell University (NCAA Division I) located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Drew and his family attend Grace Community Church.

Seth Zartman

Seth Zartman graduated in 1998 with a BA Degree in Business Administration. Seth received his Master’s Degree in Recreation and Leisure Science at Murray State University in 2001. Seth was a four-year letter winner and three-year captain in baseball. His baseball accomplishments were: 1st team NCCAA All-American in 1996, 1997, and 1998; 1st team on the NCCAA All-Tournament Team in 1997, 3-time Mid-Central Conference Team (’96, ’97, ’98), 3-time NCCAA All-Region Team (’96, ’97, ’98), and 3-time NAIA All-Region (’96, ’97, ‘98). Upon graduation, Seth held many career records: Home Runs (37); Doubles (61); RBIs (181); Slugging Percentage (.625); and Putouts (1,037). Some single season records Seth held upon graduation: Putouts (414) and RBIs (57). Seth is married to Anitra (Pottenger) and they have one daughter: Senica (2). Seth is currently the head baseball coach and facilities manager at Bethel College. Seth and his family attend Grace Church.

Ryan Bales

Ryan Bales graduated in 2000 with a B.A. degree in secondary education (physical education). Ryan was a three-year letter winner on the basketball team. In those three years, the men’s basketball program won two NAIA National Championships (’97, ’98) and lost in the NAIA championship game in 1999. In 1999, Ryan won the NAIA National Tournament Hustle Award and was a NAIA All-American and NCCAA All-American. He was named to the Mid-Central All-Conference Team three times (’97, ’98, ’99). He currently holds three NAIA National Tournament Records: Career Assists (86); Assists in a tournament (42); and 3-pointers made in a tournament (23). Upon graduation, he held two basketball records: Single Season 3-pointers made (129) and Career 3-pointers made (303). Ryan is a member of the 1,000 Point Club (1,759) and the 500 Assist Club (581). Ryan is married to Kristin and they have two children: Nolan (3) and Mason (1). Ryan is currently an elementary teacher in the North Judson-San Pierre School System. He is also the head boys’ basketball coach at North Judson High School. Ryan and his family attend Valparaiso Nazarene Church.

Jody Goralski

Jody Goralski majored in business and recreation administration. Jody was a four-year letter winner on the basketball team. In those four years, the men’s basketball program won the first ever NAIA National Championship in the school’s history (1995) and two NCCAA National Championships (’92, ’93). Jody was named the MVP of the 1993 NCCAA National Tournament. He was a two-time NCCAA All-American (’94, ’95) and was a two-time NAIA All-American (3rd team – ’94, ’95). Jody was named to the Mid-Central All Conference Team twice (’94, ’95). He currently holds two Bethel College records: Career FG% - 65.9% and Single Season FG% - 70.5% (’95). Jody led the NAIA in field goal percentage in 1995 shooting 70.5%. Jody is a member of the 2,000 Point Club (2,131) and the 1,000 Rebound Club (1,213). Jody is married to Heather and they have one child: Gage (2). Jody currently works for UPS. Jody and his family attend Granger Community Church.

Rick Romeo

Rick Romeo graduated in 1986 with a B.A. degree in communications. Rick was a four-year letter winner on the baseball team. He was a member of the 1986 baseball team that won the NCCAA National Championship – Bethel College’s first national championship. He was a two-time NAIA Academic All-American (’85, ’86). In 1986, Rick was a captain and named (co)-Most Valuable Player. He was named to the Mid-Central All-Conference Team twice (’85, ’86). Rick currently holds two baseball records: Single Season Walks – 58 (’86) and Career Walks with 121. Upon graduation in 1986, Rick was 1st in Single Season Runs Scored with 51 (’86); 1st in Single Season Walks with 58 (’86); 3rd in Single Season Walks with 34 (’85); 1st in Career On-Base Percentage with .550; 1st in Career Runs Scored with 121 and 1st in Career Walks with 121. During his last two years at Bethel, Rick served as the assistant student spiritual life director his junior year, and then became the student spiritual life director his senior year. Rick is married to Ruth and they have two children: Lindsay (17) and Drew (15). Rick currently works for Gulf Stream Coach and attends Granger Community Church.

Vince Ganzberg

Vince GanzbergVince Ganzberg graduated in 1989 with a B.A. degree in Business Education. Vince was a four-year letter winner on the soccer team.  He was the Ron Paulsen Award Winner in 1987 and a 3-time Team Captain. Vince was named team’s MVP four times and was a NAIA All-American (HM) during the 1987 season. He was named to the NAIA All-District Team three times (’86, ’87, ’88) and the NCCAA All-District Team four times (’85, ’86, ’87, ’88). He is considered to be one of the best soccer midfielders in the history of Bethel College Athletics. Vince has one child: Zachary (20), who is currently on the soccer team at Bethel. Vince currently works for the Indiana Youth Soccer Organization as the Director of Coaching and Player Development. Vince attends East 91st Christian Church (Indianapolis).

Randy Hogue

Randy HogueRandy Hogue graduated in 1979 with a B.A. degree in Business Administration and then received another B.A. degree in Elementary Education in 1997. Randy was a four-year letter winner on the baseball team. He was a member of the 1979 baseball team that won the NCCAA Districts. His career batting average was .306 and was considered one of the best defensive players at 1st base in school’s history. Upon Graduation, Randy was 1st in Single Season Hits (50); 1st in Single Season RBI’s (32); 1st in Single Season Doubles (15); 1st in Career Hits (137); 1st in Career RBI’s (75); 1st in Career Doubles (29), 1st in Career Triples (6); 1st (tied) in Career Home Runs (7); and 1st in Career Games Played (150). Randy is married to Jane (29 years) and they have 3 children: James (26 – married to Julie); Jon (22); and Lindsay (21). Randy is currently employed by Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation (11 years) as a 6th grade Social Studies teacher at Discovery Middle School (7 years) and owns his own business Hogue Enterprises Inc. Randy and his wife, Jane, attends Faith Community Church.

Tonia (Habeck) Sawicki

Tonia (Habeck) SawickiTonia (Habeck) Sawicki graduated in 2000 with a B.A. degree in Biblical Studies. Tonia was a four-year letter winner in cross-country and track. She was the Ron Paulsen Award Winner in 1999. Tonia had her track jersey retired upon graduation. Her cross-country accomplishments were: NAIA & NCCAA Academic All-American – ’98, ’99; NCCAA All-American – ’96, ’97, ’98; and Mid-Central All-Conference Team – ’96, ’97, ’98, and ’99. Even though the cross-country accomplishments are great, they don’t compare to her accomplishments in track and field: NAIA & NCCAA Indoor All-American - ’00; NAIA Outdoor All-American - ’00; NCCAA Outdoor All-American - ’99, ’00; NAIA & NCCAA Academic All-American - ’99, ’00; Mid-Central All-Conference Team – ’97, ’00; NCCAA Indoor 5K National Champion - ’00; NCCAA Outdoor 5K National Champion - ’00; 2-time NCCAA Outdoor 10K National Champion - ’99, ’00; NAIA Outdoor 10K National Runner-up - ’00; NCCAA Indoor 3K National Runner-up - ’99, ’00; and NCCAA Outdoor 10K National Runner-up - ’97. Tonia is married to Eric (7 years) and they have one daughter: Anna (10 months). Tonia and her family attend Community Baptist Church of Allenville.

Scott Anderson

Scott AndersonScott graduated in 1983 with a B.A. degree in Business Administration. Scott was a four-year letter winner on the baseball team. In 1982, Scott was named to the NCCAA All-American team and named to the NAIA All-American (HM) team. He was named to the NAIA All-District Team two times (’82, ’83), the NAIA All-Area Team once (’82) and the NCCAA All-District Team three times (’80, ’82, ’83). Scott was on the All-MCC team twice (’82, ’83). The baseball team were MCC Champions in 1982 and were NCCAA District Champions twice (’79, ’80). Upon graduation, Scott had the following records: Single Season Records: Batting Average - .469; Hits – 61; Triples – 5; Home Runs – 9; RBI’s – 50. Career Records: Hits – 187; RBI’s – 155; Doubles – 41; Triples – 11; Batting Average - .366. Scott is married to Wendy and they have 3 children: Danielle, Derek, and Allie.

Lisa (Davis) DeJesus

Lisa (Davis) DeJesusLisa graduated in 2000 with a B.A. degree in Elementary Education. Lisa was a four-year letter winner on the volleyball team. She was a member of the 1999 volleyball team that won the NCCAA National Championship. Lisa was a two-time NCCAA All-American (’98, ’99) and is considered one of the best setters in volleyball history. She was named to the NCCAA National Tournament All-Tournament Team twice (’98, ’99), the NCCAA All-Regional Team twice (’98, ’99) and on the All-MCC team twice (“98, ’99). Lisa was named MVP of the NCCAA Regional Team in 1999. Lisa is married to Bruno and they have 3 children: Alexandre, Tiago, and Mateus.

Bob Knebel

Bob Knebel Bob graduated in 1991 with a B.A. degree in Business Administration. Bob was a four-year letter winner in basketball. He was named a NCCAA All-American in 1991. Bob also made the 1990 NCCAA National All-Tournament Team. Bob was a member on the Mid-Central Championship Teams (’90, ’91) and NCCAA District Championship Teams (’88, ’89, ’90, ’91). Upon graduation, Bob was 1st in Career 3-point field goal % - 43.2% (currently 2nd), 1st in Single Season 3-pointers made – 114 (currently 3rd); 2nd in Career Assists – 932 (currently 4th); 3rd in Career Scoring – 2,124 points (currently 6th); and 5th in Career Free-Throw % - 80.4% (currently 8th). Bob is married to Katie and they have 2 children: Claire and Sam.