Athletics and competitiveness are important aspects of Bethel College’s identity. Every year, new additions and accomplishments enter this department, ultimately strengthening the athletic performance of the college while also putting Bethel’s name on the national map.
Recently, Daylon Smith from Perkins, Okla. was hired to begin coaching the track and field program starting in the 2026-27 academic year. Smith previously served as a graduate assistant at Southwestern College in Winfield. Following that, he became the assistant coach at Bethany College in Lindsborg. He later served as interim coach at Bethany, ultimately leading him to his new position at Bethel.
Smith has been involved in coaching and sports since an early age. “Both my parents are coaches, so I grew up around the sports and coaching world,” he said. “I have been a track athlete since seventh grade and then finished in cross country throughout the end of my college career.”
Being around coaches and sports throughout his childhood allowed Smith to understand from an early age the importance of discipline, commitment and overall athletic performance in order to succeed in the world of sports.
After finishing his undergraduate degree, Smith came to realize his love for coaching. “Moving into a GA role showed me that all I wanted to do was to work in the role of coaching track and field,” he said.
For Smith, coaching college students is about finding joy and overcoming obstacles. “I like to be part of those performances, like chasing PRs or trips to nationals,” he said, “Chasing higher grades and better events can even be a mark that we are aiming, where you see growth in those areas.”
Building programs is something Coach Smith is very familiar with. “I have been in a position to rebuild since I have begun,” he said, “I have got the hang of it and it has been fun to do. Getting a bunch of new faces in and to build a nice staff and get things going.”
At Bethany College, Smith was able to see first-hand what it took to be part of national stages and successful programs. “I had some trips out to nationals with some individuals and I was able to kind of see from the driver’s seat what it takes to build a program,” he said.
Following this experience, Smith was able to gain both knowledge and ideas that strengthened his coaching skills and better equipped him for the job. Coach Smith comes from a strong competitive program. His high aspirations and goals for Bethel itself, his team and the overall development of the program are strong and present.
“I would like to comfortably be able to take a group of people to nationals, overall grow in the programs and then also put those pieces that get us closer to national stages.” Smith said.
Smith’s initiative and motivation to achieve great things is sure to put the track and field program in a good spot in the upcoming school year.
Like every collegiate sport, the practice environment and mindset expected from athletes in track and field are important aspects of success. For Smith’s coaching style, enjoyment and ambition are key in order to perform at the highest level.
“I want them to have fun,” Smith said. “Being able to walk in and know that this is going to be fun, that is my main thing. I also think that just drive overall, from teammates, athletes and staff itself.”
Finally, Smith expressed his excitement to take on this new challenge in his coaching career. “I am excited to be here at Bethel College,” he said. “Me and Coach Martinez on the cross country side are really excited to work together and get both sides of this program going.”
Track and field and cross country are programs that will continue to grow and improve. This will open doors and opportunities for many different recruits that are interested in both performing in high level athletics and being part of a strong academic program, ultimately helping Bethel gain recognition and a larger range of incoming students across the country.