Bethany College Unveils Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium in Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Distinguished guests included Ted Breidenthal, the new KCAC Commissioner, and Bethany College President Elizabeth Mauch. Also in attendance were current Bethany College head coaches Mike Grossner (Football), Shane Taylor (Women's Soccer), Dane Straight (Men's Soccer), and Aaron Yoder (Cross Country/Track and Field), along with Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics, Luke Samford, Assistant Athletic Director, and Ricky Alexander, Sports Information Director. 

"What an awesome weekend! I was so honored to be there for the dedication of the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium. So wonderful to see the many alums who played for Coach K through the years!" stated President Mauch after the ceremony. 

This momentous occasion was the culmination of a successful $2.8 million fundraising campaign, completed in February 2023, which paved the way for the construction of the stadium that began in March. Officially named the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium, the facility boasts a new ticket booth, an expanded concrete area surrounding the ticket booth with modern fencing, upgraded concessions and bathrooms, and a state-of-the-art press box. 

Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno, expressed gratitude for the community's support, saying, "We are so thankful for all who contributed and invested in this project to make it a reality. This new stadium has such a positive impact on our student-athletes, as well as USD 400 and the local Lindsborg community. There is no better way to honor Coach Kessinger than this stadium; he means so much to so many, and I am honored to call him a friend." 

Coach Ted Kessinger holds an illustrious legacy as the Head Football Coach for 28 years at Bethany College. He achieved a remarkable record with no losing seasons, amassing a win percentage of .792. His coaching career featured 16 KCAC championships, 11 KCAC Coach of the Year awards, and 10 NAIA National Playoff appearances. Coach Kessinger's outstanding contributions to the world of football led to his induction into prestigious halls of fame, including the NAIA Hall of Fame (2003), Kansas Sports Hall of Fame (2005), College Football Hall of Fame (2010), and South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame (2014). 

Coach Kessinger's influence extends beyond the realm of statistics. His former players and coaches fondly remember him for his exceptional leadership and mentorship, emphasizing values like faith, family, integrity, and character. 

Jacob Spilker, VP of Advancement, acknowledged the significance of the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium, stating, "What a great celebration of the accomplishments and the culture that Coach Kessinger built here at Bethany College. The Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium seals his mark on this college forever. Having this brand-new stadium will give our current student-athletes a better experience, as well as help our coaches bring top talent to this campus as we build for future success in athletics." 

The Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium is a testament to Bethany College's commitment to honoring its rich history while fostering an environment of excellence for its current and future student-athletes. 

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.