Bethel Wildcats | The Mckenzie Banner

McKENZIE (December 20) — After six seasons as head coach of the Bethel University Football program, Coach Michael Jasper (44-20) has announced he is departing the university to become the head coach at Stetson University in Deland, Florida. The Hatters are a NCAA Division I program competing in the Pioneer League. more

Courtesy Bethel SID | 12/23/24

Bethel Honors Graduating Student-Athletes

McKENZIE — Bethel University Interim Director of Athletics Dave McCulley and the athletic staff honored graduating student-athletes Friday. The students were among the fall graduating class which received diplomas on Saturday in graduation ceremonies at the school. more

12/10/24

Bethel’s Madison Hart Closing in on 1,000 Points

McKENZIE — Prior to the season, eighteen players had scored 1,000 points in their basketball careers as a Lady Wildcat. more

Courtesy Bethel SID | 12/10/24

Danny Cronin, Jean McKinnie, Jana Roney Kahler and Dr. Sidney Leonard Swindle.

2024 Bethel Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Alumni Awards Ceremonies

McKENZIE — Bethel University honored three former athletic greats and two contributors with inductions into the prestigious Bethel Athletic Hall-of-Fame Friday night. Bethel also presented Bethel’s University’s Lifetime Achievement Award. more

11/19/24

#80 Jamarion Ferguson and #29 Nick Butler celebrate an intercepted pass for a touchdown by #30 Gianni Gamble.

Cats Beat Faulkner on Senior Day

McKENZIE (November 15) — The Bethel Wildcats closed their season Saturday in Walter Butler Stadium playing host to the Faulkner Eagles. It was Senior Day for the Wildcats with ceremonies taking place before the kickoff. It was also Pepsi MidAmerica Day at the stadium. more

Courtesy Bethel SID | 11/19/24

Bethel University’s Homecoming 2024 Queen and King Makenzie Harden and Jake Lilly.

Bethel Honors 2024 Homecoming Court

Bethel University presented the 2024 Homecoming Royalty Court during halftime of the Bethel football game on Saturday, November 2. more

11/5/24

The new sign was erected last week to mark the location of a planned golf practice facility.

Bethel Plans New Golf Practice Facility

Bethel plans to construct a new indoor/outdoor golf practice facility near the new Dollar General store, located on State Route 22 N., McKenzie. more

11/5/24

The Butler family stands in front of the newly dedicated Walter Butler Stadium on the campus of Bethel University.

Bethel Stadium Named in Honor of Dr. Walter Butler

McKENZIE (November 2) — The Walter Butler Stadium was officially dedicated to the recently retired president of the local, private four-year university. more

11/5/24

Bethel Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Alumni Awards Ceremonies Are November 1

McKENZIE — Bethel University will honor three former athletic greats and two contributors with inductions into the prestigious Bethel Athletic Hall-of-Fame Friday November 1. Bethel will also present Bethel’s University’s Lifetime Achievement Award. more

10/29/24

Bethel President Dr. Perry Moulds, Coach Garry Mason, and members of the Bethel Bass Fishing Team.

Bassmasters Releases Nationwide Video Saluting Bethel University’s Bass Program

McKENZIE — Bassmasters recently released a nationwide video saluting the success of the Bethel University Bass program. more

Courtesy Bethel SID | 10/29/24

Bethel Homecoming is This Week

Bethel University recently released the event schedule for Homecoming 2024, with festivities all week through the big game on Saturday, November 2. more

10/29/24

Bethel Announces Homecoming Event Schedule

Bethel University recently released the event schedule for Homecoming 2024, with festivities all week from Sunday, October 27 through the big game on Saturday, November 2. more

10/10/24

Bethel University Renaissance Marching Invitational is Saturday

The ninth annual Bethel University Renaissance Marching Invitational is Saturday, October 12. Ten high school bands, including several local bands, will compete in three classes. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 10/9/24

#13 Will Secker drags a defender with him to the endzone.

Cats Remain Undefeated With Win Over Cumberlands

McKENZIE (October 5) — The No. 5 Bethel Wildcats played host to a very good University of the Cumberlands squad Saturday in Walter Butler Stadium in McKenzie. more

Courtesy Bethel SID | 10/8/24

McCulley Named Interim Director Of Athletics at Bethel University

McKENZIE — Bethel University Executive Vice President Wayne Scott announced Friday Dave McCulley is the Interim Director of Athletics at the school. more

10/8/24

Bass Cats Finish Third in Texas Event

BROOKLAND, Texas — The Bethel University Wildcat team of Coleman Bingham and Brayden Wilson finished in third place recently in a Major League Fishing tournament held on Sam Rayburn Lake in Eastern Texas. more

Courtesy Bethel SID | 10/8/24

Bryson Butler, third grade, and Titus Banuelos, second grade, are greeted with high-fives by Bethel University Wildcat basketball players and Coach Jeff Britt.

Over 300 McKenzie Elementary Students Enjoy Walk-to-School Day

McKENZIE (October 2) - McKenzie Elementary held its annual Walk-to-School Day Wednesday with excellent participation. At least 302 students, 177 guardians and a few dogs made the morning trek, which was blessed with beautiful weather. more

By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com | 10/3/24

Record-Setting Day for Lady Wildcats

KENNETH, Mo. — The Bethel Lady Wildcats Golf Team dominated play in the Williams Baptist Fall Invitational being played at the Kenneth Country Club in Kenneth, Missouri Monday and Tuesday. more

9/17/24

Bethel Football Moves to 3-0 With Victory in Georgia

COLUMBUS, Ga. — The No. 7 Bethel Wildcats remained undefeated with a 35-0 road win at Thomas University Saturday. more

9/17/24

Jarvis Stockton #21 runs off the right side avoiding the tackle picking up the first down.

Wildcats Move to 2-0 on Season

McKENZIE (September 7) — The Bethel Wildcats and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders met for the first time on Saturday. more

Courtesy Bethel SID | 9/10/24