Bethel Athletics
Josh Booth, Sports Information Director
NORTH NEWTON – If you take highway K-15 into the city of North Newton, one of the first things you’ll notice is the towering stone bleachers which help make up “Thresher Stadium.” This iconic facility of Bethel College, built in 2005, is receiving a few necessary upgrades.
“The updates we are making to Thresher Stadium will re-establish it as one of the finest facilities within the KCAC,” Athletic Director Tony Hoops said.
Hoops has begun his second year as athletic director, and is spearheading this campaign for Thresher Athletics.
Highlighting these renovations is the installation of new turf, through premier sports construction company Hellas Construction.
“Currently we have the original turf completely removed and are evaluating the drainage system to make necessary repairs to it. Once this is complete, we look forward to having the turf installed by the middle of July.”
This new turf will feature the classic Bethel maroon coloring, with bold, white “BETHEL” and “THRESHERS” spread across each end zone. This is part of the Matrix® brand offered by Hellas Construction. As cited on their website, “the Matrix® synthetic turf system has been developed for athletes to experience a safe, authentic playing experience. The longevity, playability, and performance is unparalleled in the industry.”
While the replacement of the previously 13-year old turf should have Thresher fans and student-athletes excited for the fall season, perhaps even larger news is the instillation of a brand new Daktronics digital board and scoreboard, also ready for the fall.
When asked about the update, Hoops stated the 8′ tall by 18′ wide digital board “will be a great addition for our fans and community providing unique advertising opportunities along with highlight videos and other special game day features.”
The third phase of this project is still in progress.
“As we seek to complete all phases of this project, we are still seeking donations to re-surface the track. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated to finalize all phases of this project.”
Those who would be interested in contributing toward the track project can contact Athletic Director Hoops, or Brad Schmidt with the Bethel Development office.
Fans will get their first shot to see the new-look Thresher Stadium on August 28, when the Bethel Men’s Soccer team opens their season against John Brown University (Ark.) at 4:30 p.m. The Bethel Women’s Soccer team opens their schedule at home on August 31 against Bacone College with a 5 p.m. start, while the Bethel Football team will kick off their season September 1 when they host Ottawa University at 7 p.m.