North Newton, Kan. - Next weekend, Bethel College will celebrate one of its most memorable football teams with a reunion honoring the 1975 Threshers.

That season, Bethel posted an 8-1 record, with the only setback coming against non-KCAC opponent Colorado College. However, the team was forced to forfeit six victories after it was discovered that an ineligible player had participated. Despite that ruling, the Threshers ended the year on a high note, defeating St. Mary of the Plains (now closed) 30-12 in the final KCAC matchup. Ironically, St. Mary's was declared the league champion despite falling to Bethel on the field.

The significance of the 1975 team has endured. In 2008, the squad was inducted into the Bethel College Athletic Hall of Fame. This year, the recognition continues as standout offensive lineman Dale Russell, a key piece of that Thresher line, will be individually enshrined into the Hall of Fame. Russell's induction will take place at the 2025 Hall of Fame Banquet, scheduled for Friday, October 3, at 7 p.m. inside Memorial Hall.

The following day, Saturday, October 4, the 1975 reunion will officially begin at 10 a.m. in the Thresher Viewing Suite, located above the football locker room. Later that evening, the team will be recognized at halftime of the Bethel football game against Sterling College.

"We invite all members of that team along with others who played in seasons before or after the 1975 team to meet in the suite," commented Bethel College Director of Athletics Tim Swartzendruber. "I personally played with several members of that team in the fall of 1977 and am anxious to see them along with other members. This was a special group and we are thrilled to honor them next weekend."