BETHANY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES 2026 HALL OF HONOR, COACH OF THE YEAR, AND BETHANY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AWARD OF MERIT HONOREES

Lindsborg, Kan. – Bethany College is proud to announce the 2026 Hall of Honor award 

recipients, recognizing eight individuals whose achievements and service have made a lasting 

impact on Swede Athletics.

"The Athletics Hall of Honor celebrates those who exemplify excellence, leadership, and 

commitment in sport,” shared Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics. The 2026 class embodies those 

attributes and much more. From memorable performances in five different sports, to remarkable 

coaching careers in nearby communities, to local business owners who support our current 

Swedes students and staff, this entire group has elevated our programs and department and 

embodied the very best of our institution. We look forward to honoring and celebrating their 

extraordinary achievements this October.” 

The annual Bethany College Hall of Honor Award Ceremony celebrates former student-athletes, 

coaches, and supporters whose excellence, leadership, and dedication have shaped Bethany 

College athletics. This year's honorees include four Hall of Honor inductees, two Coach of the 

Year recipients, and two Bethany Athletic Association (BAA) Award of Merit recipients.

Bethany College Hall of Honor award winners include: 

• Sven Delin, a 2001 graduate, was a captain of the golf team that won four consecutive 

conference championships, leading to four national championship appearances. He won 

the conference tournament individually...twice! Delin was also a four-year all-conference 

academic athlete. 

• Vinny Butka, a 1982 graduate, was a three-time KCAC shot put champion, District 10 

indoor shot put champion in 1981, ACCK champion in 1980 and 1982, three-time 

outdoor national qualifier, and ranks second in Bethany College history for shot put 

distance.

• Tim Leaf, awarded posthumously, a 1981 graduate, was the KCAC Individual Champion 

in cross country in 1979 and 1980. In 1979, Leaf was the lead runner on Bethany 

College’s only KCAC championship team. He placed 33rd in the national cross country 

meet and remains the highest finishing individual in Bethany College history. In track, 

Leaf won the 1980 5,000-meter race and set the current school record with a time of 

15:18.64. 

• Amy (Yonally) Wilson, a 1999 graduate, was a dual-sport athlete playing softball and 

volleyball. In volleyball, she was named to an all-conference volleyball team. In softball, 

Wilson was a four-time all-conference softball player, all-region softball award winner, 

and made the All-American Farm Team. 

Bethany College Coach of the Year award winners include: 

• Kent Teeter, a 1987 graduate, has had many successes over the last 39 years from his 

time at Hays High School and his current position at Holcomb High School. While 

coaching football, Teeter has won two state championships and four league titles. He has 

also been named the Sports in Kansas Coach of the Year twice, KFBCA Coach of the 

Year in 2015, and KFBCA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024. Along with coaching 

football, Teeter has also been successful in coaching track and field as he led his 

Holcomb boys' teams to three consecutive state titles (looking to make it four next year), 

seven league titles (currently on a four-year streak), and six top three finishes in the state 

track meet. He has coached over 25 different individual state titles in track and field as 

well. 

• Greg Maxwell, a 1997 graduate, coaches both volleyball and girls' basketball at 

Ellinwood High School. In volleyball, he has over 230 career wins and won the 2025 2A 

State Championship with a perfect 47-0 record. In girls' basketball, Maxwell led his team 

to the 2026 2A State Championship, finishing as the runner-up. These were the first ever 

state tournament wins for Ellinwood who were also the Central Prairie League 

champions. Maxwell holds a 2A state runner up finish in girls' golf as well. 

Bethany Athletic Association Award of Merit award winners include: 

• Danielle (DuMars) Greene and Spencer Greene. Danielle, a 2013 graduate, and her 

husband have made an immediate impact on Bethany College Athletics. They are a host 

family for Women’s Basketball, providing numerous meals for the team as well. The 

Greenes are also the owners of the Ol’ Stuga which hosts the Coaches Radio Show and is 

a valued partner for both Athletics and Bethany College as a whole. 

• Brandi Swenson, owner of the Crown & Rye, has also hosted the Coaches Radio Show 

while also hosting many Swedes Athletics celebrations and playoff sendoff events. In 

addition, Crown and Rye provided food for the 2026 All Swede Awards, the annual 

Athletic Department celebration for all teams and student-athletes. The Crown & Rye is a 

valued partner of Bethany College Athletics. 

All recipients will be honored during a special ceremony during Homecoming/Inauguration 

Weekend on Sunday, October 25. 

About Bethany College 

Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. 

Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 

years, Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals 

to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany 

College, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them 

as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the 

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 

CONTACT: 

Christie Denniston, APR 

Vice President of Strategic Engagement 

303-827-5164 

Bethany College 

335 East Swensson Street 

Lindsborg, KS 67456