Ryan Sommers
Ryan Sommers
Head Coach Cross Country
Assistant Coach Track and Field
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Ryan enters his second year as the Head Men’s Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track & Field Coach. He enjoys the character of Bethel College, finding it a distinct pleasure to be associated with a community that stresses Christ-centered focus. It reminds him of his alma mater, Indiana Wesleyan University, when he attended in the early 90’s.
While competing for Indiana Wesleyan Coach Sommers earned NAIA All-American and NCCAA All-American status in cross country as well as Scholar Athlete honors. In addition, he and his twin brother, Robert, were the Wheeler Award recipients at the NCCAA National Cross Country Championships in 1992. Their team placed 10th at the NAIA National Championships that same year. Coach Sommers also competed at the NAIA and NCCAA Track & Field Championships. He still holds the 800 meter school record at IWU and 10 of the top 50 performances in cross country. He attributes his success to God’s blessings and the fortune of being a part of a strong team.
Ryan earned a M.S. degree from Colorado State University in Human Development & Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy, which he currently utilizes as a part-time therapist in the Bethel College Wellness Center. He also teaches a couple courses in the Adult Studies program.
Ryan and his wife, Linda, have a dog named Bailey, which everyone thinks is adorable. Linda serves as an athletic trainer for Bethel College in addition to working in the Adult Studies department and teaching some courses.
