Day 1
The KCAC Championships began with the throwing events, where freshman Grace William competed in the hammer throw. Grace delivered a season-best mark of 34.16 meters, capping off a strong first season in the event.
Following the hammer throw, sophomore Abby Koontz represented the Threshers in the javelin. Entering the meet ranked fifth in the conference, Abby delivered an impressive throw of 37.80 meters on her second attempt — just shy of her personal best. That mark held throughout the competition, earning her a third-place finish and valuable points for the women's team.
Action then shifted to the track, where both the men's and women's 4x800-meter relay teams earned top-eight finishes in the conference.
In the steeplechase events, the Threshers continued to shine. Senior Bethany Schrag led the women's team by breaking her own school record in the women's steeplechase while securing a third-place overall finish. Teammate Emma Graber followed with a strong sixth-place finish.
On the men's side, junior Marcus Fiedler ran a season-best performance in the steeplechase, earning the highest conference finish of his career with a sixth-place result.
The Threshers closed out Day 1 with freshman Zane Basler competing in his first 10,000-meter race, finishing in a time of 36:27.
Day 2
Day 2 of the KCAC Championships once again began in the field events with freshman Grace William competing in the women's shot put. Entering the event ranked seventh overall, Grace recorded a throw of 11.67 meters on her third attempt, just short of her season best. The mark held for a sixth-place finish, providing a strong conclusion to an impressive freshman campaign and offering a glimpse into a bright future ahead.
Back on the track, freshman Braylon Hunnell competed in the 1,500 meters and posted a season-best time of 4:19.
In the 800 meters, freshman Asa Johnson earned All-Conference honors with a time of 2:00.11, finishing eighth overall.
Freshman Xavier Craven continued his breakout season in the 400-meter hurdles, placing seventh overall with a time of 56.99.
Senior Bethany Schrag returned to the track to close out an outstanding season in the 5,000 meters, recording a time of 19:08 and earning an eighth-place finish. Teammate Emma Graber followed with a time of 20:26.
In the men's 5,000 meters, junior Marcus Fiedler capped off the individual events with a personal-best time of 16:05.
To conclude the championship meet, the Lady Threshers competed in the 4x400-meter relay, earning All-Conference honors with a seventh-place finish.
The women's team finished eighth overall in the conference standings with 24 points across two days of competition, while the men's team placed 11th overall with eight points.
Coach Wilson's Thoughts
Coach Wilson reflected on the season and praised the effort and determination shown by both teams throughout the year. Despite having young men's and women's squads, he emphasized how proud he was of the heart and grit they displayed while representing Bethel College.
Wilson also recognized the seniors for their dedication and hard work over the years, thanking them for everything they contributed to Bethel Track and Cross Country. While the program will miss their leadership and presence, he expressed excitement for what lies ahead in their futures.
He concluded by thanking the supporters and parents who followed and encouraged the teams throughout the season. Looking ahead, Coach Wilson shared his excitement for the future of the program as the Threshers continue striving for new records and personal best performances.
