Inside Sports
by Tim Johnson
Lindsborg News- Record:  Thursday, March 19, 1998- 
Volume 120 Number 33, Page 8
Bethany Baseball '98
    Interested in a stressful and nearly impossible task?  Try getting a baseball or softball team ready to play competitively in Kansas during the month of February on a small budget and limited practice space.  That's the challenge facing Bethany baseball coach Mike Waldie and softball coach Steve Barrows.
    The recent blizzard that hit the Midwest is typical of the problems facing baseball programs outside of the sunbelt.
    "We played seven quick games in February and will be lucky to get that many in March," said Waldie, who is starting his third year at the helm of the Bethany men's baseball program.  Waldie, who recently became a proud pop for the first time just before baseball practice started, has the look of someone longing for the warmth of his native Texas.
    Both the men's and women's teams have the potential for a conference championship and trips to the NAIA playoffs.
    Barrows is in his second year as manager of the Lady Swede softball team.  He doubles as the offensive coordinator for the Bethany football program.  The Lady Swedes have five talented seniors coming back, along with some talented youngsters.
    "Kansas Wesleyan is the preseason favorite, based on their strong finish last season in the KCAC," said Barrows recently about the KCAC softball race.  He adds, "Sterling could also present a stiff challenge, while Ottawa and Friends will be tougher this year."
    The Lady Swedes finished in second place last year behind KWU in the KCAC and placed third in the Great Plains regional.
    Look for Miltonvale, Kansas senior Amy Yonally to finish her career for the Lady Swedes as one of the top players in the small college ranks.  While the Lady Swedes have several all-conference players returning, Yonally has the potential for some national recognition.
    While the bulk of the KCAC season will be played in the last 4-5 weeds of the season, the Lady Swedes have a great trip lined up for southern California over spring break.  They play three double headers against the likes of California Baptist, Southern California College, and Pacific Christian College.  The team hopes to enjoy the TV filming of America's Funniest Home Videos during the trip.
    Coach Waldie is set to play possibly the toughest non-conference schedule ever faced by a Bethany baseball team.  It includes the likes of Ft. Hays State, Kansas State, Washburn and national powerhouse Wichita State.
    "Realistically our goal is to finish the non-conference portion of our season near the 500 mark," says Waldie.  "You can finish your non-conference games at 22-0 and still not go to the nationals.  You have to win your conference to get into the post season," he adds.
    The Swedes were oh, so close last season to winning the conference baseball title.  A single run against Ottawa was the only difference, as Bethany lost a heartbreaking 1-0 game.
    Ottawa and Bethany should be the favorites again in 1998.
    The KCAC will be improved in 1998.  Waldie also sees Sterling College as a major player.  "Sterling has a new young coach and a senior dominated team," he said.  "KWU was strong last season, but had a mass graduation and we don't know what they will have."
    Tabor College has a new coach at their helm and owns a 5-4 victory over Emporia State already this season and might prove to be a dark horse.  Friends lost their coach and a number of key players and could be one team that is down a bit in the KCAC baseball race.
    Here's the prediction for Bethany baseball and softball.  Both teams will either win or share the KCAC conference titles.  That is, if the snowplows ever get the fields cleared off so they can play ball.
Return To Articles Page
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1