ELIZABETH ALDERFER Staff Writer
The Threshpy Awards are a formal event created to recognize Bethel athletes for their outstanding achievements from the year. The Thresphys is a night the entire athletic community gets to enjoy together and celebrate the successes from the past year. Abigail Schmidt, senior from Newton commented on the significance of this year’s event.
“This year I think this is even more special because of how much success and honors Thresher athletes have achieved,” Schmidt said. Bethel’s athletic department has tremendous support that contributes to the success of the programs.
Many people dedicate themselves to making this event possible. Committees of coaches and athletic administration coordinate the event and do the bulk of the planning. Tony Hoops and Josh Booth devote themselves, with the help of coaches, to ensure the night truly reflects the hard work of the athletes. The Student Athletic Leadership Team, SALT, also helps make this event possible. They help out with planning and the tedious set up process.
Over the years, the Threshpy’s have looked different. Most recently they have been held at Memorial Hall on campus. This year, for the sake of more space and convenience in setting up, the event will be held at the Wild Prairie Event Center on their outdoor patio. Tony Hoops, Director of Athletics, talks about the excitement behind the new forum.
“The venue will be a perfect setup for this fun filled event honoring our athletes,” Hoops said.
The event will be held on May 9, with doors open at 7 and the event starting at 8. During the first hour guests will be able to enjoy catered desserts and beverages, but no meal will be served this year. Two photo booths present the opportunity for student athletes to record their memories. As this is a formal event, pictures will be taken in the booth as well as other various locations around the event center.
On top of food, drinks and photos, one can anticipate a night full of fun attending the Threshpys. Jeffrey Graber, a Bethel alumni who worked for KWCH and now a financial advisor in Newton, will be hosting the event. The night will include highlight videos, recognition of all conference athletes, fun content from coaches and athletes, as well as presentation of 15 Thresphy awards. These awards are given to athletes of all sports ranging from freshman to senior. Awards include freshman of the year, comeback of the year, breakthrough athlete of the year, player of the year, game of the year and the unsung hero award, among other awards and scholarships.
“Two years ago, the last time this event was in person, we did a feature that included live coach impersonations by their athletes. This was a very memorable crowd favorite!” Schmidt said.
This event is open to the public in addition to all students and athletes. Students may register for a free ticket while the public may purchase tickets for $10. Mark your calendars for May 9 to experience the memorable event of the Threshpys and the recognition of the student athletes with exceptional performances over the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters.
