Our Bethel athletes, both women and men, compete to win. But we do not seek to win at any cost. We care much more deeply about winning the larger and enduring challenges of life. Some may question how contact sports such as football and men's and women's hockey could possibly be useful in forming Christian character and competence. Others, especially graduates of both genders who were student athletes, will testify to the constructive contributions that sports made to their development as persons of faith and integrity.
Competition is central to athletics, but it is an essential ingredient to life as well.
To persevere and to excel against challenges and resistance are often necessary for any worthwhile achievement in the workplace, in personal relationships, and in the formation of the life of faith. Athletics can prepare one to meet and overcome adversity without the sacrifice of character. But competition demands trust, teamwork, and collaboration with others. Employers seek persons who can contribute to a group agenda while accommodating differences, devising strategies, and rotating leadership even as athletes must learn to do. Bethel's excellent athletic programs, highly competitive teams in most sports, and outstanding coaches contribute to our success in recruiting and retaining women and men who first of all want to benefit from Bethel's strong academic offerings taught by Christian faculty who share a biblical worldview.