After an eighth place finish with a 2-7 record in 2008, Bethany is ready to move forward and build on their solid session this past spring. The Swedes underwent many changes for the 2009 season. In addition to a new scoreboard and renovations to the bleachers, restrooms, and concession area at Lindstrom Field in Anderson Stadium, there are new faces in the office and around campus. The coaching staff added Bethany alum Jeremy Scheufler as offensive coordinator. Tim Dombrowski, Anthony Martinez, and Buddy Sullins, II were named new assistant coaches.

Scheufler returns to Bethany after assisting the Swedes with defensive backs and recruiting from 2004-2006. He was a member of Bethany's 2001 KCAC championship team. Scheufler's coaching experience includes assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Wichita South High School. He also served one year as assistant coach at Sterling High School as the passing game coordinator, also working with the quarterbacks and defensive backs. He holds a bachelor's degree in secondary social science education from Bethany in addition to a master's degree in educational leadership from MidAmerica Nazerene University.

Tim Dombrowski begins his first year with Swedes after recently graduating from Eureka College (Ill.) with a degree in fitness leadership. There he was a four-year starter, totaling 240 career tackles and earned all-conference honorable mention. As a senior, he was named defensive captain.

After a solid playing career, Anthony Martinez will assist with the defense. A former captain at Bethany, he was a two-time all-conference selection at defensive end. Martinez will graduate from Bethany in 2010 with a degree in management/marketing.

Sullins, II will also assist on the defensive side and help with general football operations. After serving four years active duty in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, he is now a sports management student at Bethany.

For the 2009 season, the Swedes have 30-35 returning letterman. Five to six offensive starters return while seven or eight defensive starters return.

"I am definitely excited to get to this point," said head coach Jamie Cruce. "We are ready to knock off the rust and continue bettering ourselves. That starts with recruiting and off-season work."

Cruce is hoping to improve the offense, citing that offensive line play and the quarterback position will be key roles in making that happen.

After struggling at quarterback in 2008, there will be a familiar face in a different uniform this year. Returning to the field is senior quarterback Steven Baker, who has coached with the Swedes the past few years after taking time off from his playing career. Junior Mark Margres and senior Marc Lumsden are also present at the helm.

"The quarterback position is vital for us," Cruce said. "If eligible, Baker will be a good option for us at quarterback."

The Swedes have twelve to thirteen receivers signed. Of those, five can play both receiver and running back. Senior Cordell Hammond and sophomore Collin Parks both have speed and athleticism at receiver.

Key losses to the offense include running back Sean Dahley, fullback Kavelle Gordon, wide receivers Willie Edwards and Robert Bieger, and offensive linemen Cameron Maier and Dalton Weisshaar. However, the Swedes have several key returners, as follows: sophomore running back Oshane Malcolm, wide receivers sophomore Collin Parks and junior Adam Garza, junior quarterback Margres, and junior offensive lineman Chris Jackson.

On the defensive side, Cruce is expecting returning players to utilize their leadership and experience to lead the incoming student-athletes.

Bethany lost linebacker Eric English and defensive end Anthony Martinez. Significant returners are senior defensive lineman and two-time captain Ty Russell, senior Jamil Owens and sophomore DeWayne Autrey at defensive back, and junior outside linebacker Jeffrey Simplice.

Top incoming recruits for the Swedes include three wide receivers, a linebacker, and a defensive lineman. Robert Anderson, Rialto, Cali., is a wide receiver who was a two-year starter and earned second team all-conference honors. Wide receiver Matt Redding, Costa Mesa, Cali., was the MVP of the Orange Coast League while playing for Orange Coast College. Brandon Martino, a wide receiver from Junction City, Kan., was a two-year starter at Junction City High School, gathering twenty-seven receptions, 424 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns.

Defensive lineman Sankietrek Wiggins, Houston, Tex., earned all district honors and defensive MVP at Houston Nimmitz High School. Glenn Sumney, a linebacker from Texas City, Tex., gathered 390 total career tackles as well as a three-time all-state selection and all-greater Houston, all-county, and all-district honors.

Cruce is expecting the returners to lead through example and their knowledge, but is also looking for the incomers to push the returners and themselves.

"The offensive tackles need to solidify in camp," Cruce said, "and Malcolm will be pushed at running back by an incoming transfer and some freshmen. We will be good enough to compete in this conference as we continue to improve our talent and our coaching."