Bethel names Tim Swartzendruber as new Athletic Director
Swartzendruber returns to North Newton after a stint with Pratt Community College.
On Tuesday, Executive Director of Institutional Communications and Marketing Tricia Clark announced via email to the Bethel College community that the school has named Tim Swartzendruber its next Director of Athletics.
His first day in the role will be Oct. 16.
Swartzendruber, a Bethel alumnus, has served as the athletic director for Pratt Community College since 2019. He succeeds Tony Hoops, who departed in August. “I am extremely honored and excited to become the Athletic Director at Bethel College,” said Swartzendruber in the email. “As a proud Bethel alum I am thrilled to return to an institution that greatly impacted my life.
“I want to thank President Gering and the search committee for the opportunity. Tony Hoops did a great job improving the culture of the Bethel athletic program. I plan to continue this positive improvement.”
While at Pratt, Swartzendruber oversaw seven of the school’s 13 athletic programs achieve Academic All-American status. He also led the additions of men’s and women’s tennis and women’s flag football.
Programs initiated at Pratt by Swartzendruber include Service School Day for local schools to attend sporting events and mental health services within the Program for Academic Success of Student-Athletes (PASS).
Prior to arriving at Pratt, Swartzendruber spent 11 seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at McPherson College, amassing a 172-171 overall record with two KCAC tournament championships, a KCAC tournament runner-up finish, and four NAIA Division II national tournament appearances.
“Tim’s professional philosophy, prior experiences, and deep Kansas connections distinguished him from other applicants,” said President Jon C. Gering in the email. “He loves Bethel and wants to lead the athletic department to its next level of success. I look forward to having him rejoin the Thresher community…”