About the Swedes:

#1- Aaron Williams: Tremendous all-around athlete who brings versatility to this years squad.  His potential gives him the opportunity to become a major contributor.

#2- Jason Ingram: Senior leadership is such a key to our success, and Jason brings a lot of it to our program.  He will be a key role player for us this year.

#3- Ed Loeb: Ed has improved every year, and this one is no exception.  We expect him to contribute in many ways, making him a prime example of how hard work pays off.

#4- Brian Herrman: Brian is just one part of the best freshman class to arrive at Bethany during Coach Waldie's tenure.  He is going to be a big part of the Swedes for years to come.

#5- Bobby Richardson: Known as Mr. Versatility, Bobby can play numerous positions.  Being a quality individual on and off the field make him a big asset to the team.

#6- Clint Floyd: Clint is a fine athlete who is working hard at being a college pitcher.  His intense desire to compete will make him a force in the future.

#7- Kevin Meitler: Kevin has a big frame and a live arm, making him a critical part of the Swede success if he can stay healthy.

#8- Brad Schrader: Brad is one of the team captains and two time unanimous All-KCAC selection.  His talent and ability to be a field general give him opportunities to play at any level.

#9- Jason Schmeiser: Jason is a team captain, two time All-KCAC selection, and a career .371 hitter.  His range, arm, and quickness may be the best in the conference.

#11- John Thomsen: John has a live arm and has progressed quickly this season.  We are excited about his potential.

#12- Chris Tusant: A combination of being a switch hitter and great defensive ability allow Chris to bring a lot to the table in his first year with the Swedes.

#13- Clint Strassburg: With great mechanics and the tenacity to be a great pitcher, Clint has the ability to make a major contribution to the team in his Freshman year.

#14- Matt Hanvey: Matt has great work ethic and his determination will be his strongest asset.

#15- Mike Jackson: Mike, who is a third year starter, has the tools to do it all.  He hits the ball with power to all fields (.342 career average) and has the ability to dominate on the mound.

#16- Jeremy Cantrell: Jeremy had a very good Freshman year, and is looking forward to being right in the thick of things this year.  He is maturing into a fine pitcher.

#17- Chad Taldo: Chad has the combination of good range and a solid arm.  He also has the luxury to learn this year under a great shortstop.  He can and will take the next step this year.

#18- Dwayne Turner: Dwayne is a major part of this years Freshman class.  He will be a major contributor in more than one way on the field this season.

#19- Daniel Regan: Daniel brings many things with him to this year's team.  He has the potential to start at first base, in the outfield, or on the mound.  He can do it all, and will contine to improve as time goes on.

#20- Clay Witt: Where do you start with Clay?  He is the anchor of the pitching staff, being our number one starting pitcher for the fourth straight year and is returning off of a unanimous All-KCAC selection as a Junior.  He is also a team captain.

#21- Darren Kaustinen: Darren gives us a lot of speed and good defense in the outfield. His switch hitting ability and patience at the plate give him the potential to be our leadoff hitter.

#22- Jeremy Thomas: Jeremy is another great athlete in our program, as well as a team leader.  He will do a fine job filling different roles to help the team succeed.

#23- David Bard: David is coming off of a very good Junior season and has worked very hard to make the transition to the outfield this year.  He is a great talent and team leader.

#24- Pat Patterson: Pat is a guy who has unlimited potential.  He can run, throw, and hit as well as anyone. If he can put it all together, he will be extremely tough this year.

#25- Nate Sungy: Nate has great physical tools.  His strength is tremendous and he has a very live arm.

#26- Ryan Blankenship: A mainstay for years to come, Ryan has a natural swing and continuous defensive improvement, giving him the ability to be a Freshman starter.

#27- Jason Barkow: Jason has taken great strides since his freshman year, and hard work will help him to continue to physically mature.

#28- Kris Bernal: Kris brings big-time tools to Bethany. He has the stuff to dominate the KCAC, and will get better everytime he takes the mound.

#29- Sean Spoonts: Sean is healthy this year, and that is key for him.  We hope to see him explode again as he did as a Freshman, leading the KCAC in hitting (.440 average).  He has all the tools necessary to accomplish that feat again.

#30- Jason Hoeppner: Jason has good skills and will continue to improve every year.  His bat speed is excellent and he can hit for power.

#32- Zac Kemp: Zac is a strong guy who can hit the ball hard.  He will take great strides this year and become a good player in the years to come.

Head Coach Mike Waldie: A graduate of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas with a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice, Coach Waldie is starting his third season as coach of the Swedes.
    While at Sam Houston State, he played two years of NCAA Division I baseball, compiling a .291 batting average over that span.  His teams posted a 66-41 record, with highlight wins over Texas A&M and Texas Tech.
    On March 2nd, 1996, Coach Waldie earned his first collegiate coaching victory, as Bethany defeated Concordia College of Nebraska 11-1.  He has an overall 40-39 record in his two years as head coach and the Swedes have had consecutive 20 win seasons for the first time in school history.
    He and his wife, Keri, have a son, Brock.

Assistant Coach Dan Grudt: Dan is a 1996 graduate of Bethany College and has been assisting Coach Waldie since his arrival. During the summer months, Dan works with the Atlanta Braves organization.
    His responsibilities with the Swedes include working with the pitching staff and being the game day bench coach.  Coach Waldie says that "Dan is a fine coach who works everyday to make himself and his players better."  He is instrumental in the success of the Swede baseball program.

Assistant Coach Jake Hunter: Jake is a 1996 graduate of Bethany College and is in his second full year assisting with the Swedes.
    His responsibilities include working with the outfielders and coaching first base duringgames.  According to Coach Waldie, "Jake brings life to our team and is a constant professional."  He is a big key to our program and its success.

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