Thresher Athletics Hall of Fame
The 1976-77 Bethel Women's Basketball team currently has the distinction of being the only team in the program's history to capture at least a share of the KCAC regular season title. This was during a time when women's athletics were able to begin seeing growth due to Title IX regulations, and the Lady Threshers left a lasting mark on the program this year. A roster of only nine began as a roster of six due to three players competing with the volleyball team at the national tournament. Being small in numbers did not affect the overall talent the team had as they cruised to a 14-4 overall record, and 13-3 in conference play. This included big wins over Kansas Wesleyan, Tabor, and Friends. An unfortunate 44-42 loss to St. Mary of the Plains for the KCAC tiebreaker meant Bethel would stay at home instead of seeing post-season action. The team was led by Valerie Klassen, whose average of 16 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game earned her all-conference honors. Lori Erb, Belinda Kaufman, and Rhonda Wedel also received honorable mention nods, and Coach Doug Penner was named the KCAC Coach of the Year.
