Bethel College (KS)

Kent interjected a sense of enthusiasm and optimism into the program when he arrived at Bethel. He worked tirelessly to recruit at a high level, attracting some of the greatest players in Bethel history to North Newton, Kansas, including current Hall of Fame players Eric Rhoades, Dennis Heide and Ed Smith.  Rogers came into Bethel in 1979, taking over the reins of a football program that had gone 0-9 the season before. In his first season as head coach, Bethel produced a record of 3-6. Rogers would go on to lead Bethel to their greatest season in program history in 1984, when the Threshers went 9-0 in the regular season, clinching their first KCAC conference championship, and making post-season play with a final ranking of #2 in the NAIA regular season poll. He was named KCAC Coach of the Year for his efforts, as well as NAIA District 10 Coach of the Year. During his tenure at Bethel, Coach Rogers was named KCAC Coach of the Year 6 different times. 1983-86 were Rogers' most successful seasons at Bethel, as he went 29-8 during those four seasons. Rogers currently holds the most wins among head coaches in Bethel's program history with 69, and his 16 years of service as head coach are the second most for the program.  Rogers also made his mark as an educator at the institution, where he spent many years as a professor in the Health and Physical Education department. He left a tremendous mark on his students and players during his time at Bethel.