Bethany Athletic Association Weekend was held on September 22 beginning with an Athletic Awards Brunch to honor the 2012 outstanding alumni. Over 150 guests, including the Swede football team and several of last year's student-athlete conference winners, attended the brunch at 11 a.m. in Stroble Gymnasium. 

The Bethany College Athletic Hall of Honor gives recognition to individuals whose performance on the athletic field during their time at Bethany College was noteworthy and exemplary of high standards for which Bethany College athletics historically have been known. The 2012 inductees were Winfred Foster Banbury 1904, John Quincy Banbury 1904, Mike Zeyen '82, and Scott Gentine '90.

The Alumni Coach of the Year Award was established in order to recognize the individual Bethany College former student or graduate who has directed and coached a secondary or collegiate varsity sport team or teams to a level of performance which is recognized as outstanding by those associated with that particular varsity sport. The 2012 recipient was Bill Christner '82.

Each year the Bethany Athletic Association gives recognition to an active member of the association that has demonstrated meritorious service to youth or their career.  The BAA Award of Merit recipients were Marvin Anderson '67 and Warren Olson '72, who is associate vice president for development at Bethany.

You can view pictures of the brunch here.

Following the awards brunch the baseball alumni game was held. Alumni returning were Dale Austin '81, Brian Bengston '05,  Kris Boele '12, Frenchie  Buckner '98, Rich Foveaux '05, Jason Gordon '04, Ryan Mashinter '10, Seth Parrish '04, Sean Spoonts '98, and Vince Wetter '04. Current students Darrin Biegert, Ben Gass, Will Gibson and Rodney McFarlane also participated for the alumni team.

Head Baseball Coach Jeremy Cantrell says, "I am grateful for the alumni who came and participated in the game.  It was a fun day for all involved.  In the process of putting the event together, it was great to catch up with many people doing great things within their families and communities."

You can view pictures of the alumni game and team here.

A tailgate dinner at 5:30 p.m. kicked off the festivities for the 100^th football game versus rival Kansas Wesleyan University. There was a balloon artist, face painting, and a punt, pass and kick contest for kids ages 4 to 12. Winners of the contest were Kade Barber, Annika Cantrell, Caleb Kessinger, Trace Leners, Carson Spoonts, and Faith Workman. Each winner received an autographed Swedes football signed by Coach Cruce and the team captains.

The historic 100^th football game versus the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes began with a special presentation of the St. John's Military School Color Guard. Brock Wagoner, a sophomore from Colby, Kan., sang the national anthem. Then a special coin toss, using a commemorative coin made especially for the 100^th game, took place with retired Bethany head football coach Ted Kessinger, Bethany College president Edward F. Leonard III, retired KWU head football coach Gene Bissell, KWU interim president Wayne Lowen, and KCAC Commissioner Scott Crawford.

The game was a thriller until the very end when the Coyotes went on to win the 100^th game 33-31 just as they won the first game between the two teams back in 1893 by a score of 38-0. Following the game there was a 5^th quarter celebration at the Ol' Stuga where alumni and friends gathered.

You can view pictures of the game here.