The Student News Site of Bethel University

The Clarion
Bethel University alumna Kristin Robbins announced Aug. 20 that she would be running for Minnesota Governor in the 2026 election against Tim Walz. (Photo submitted by Kristin Robbins)
Bethel alum running for Minnesota Governor
Royals head coach Ben Linder addresses his team following a game against Lake Forest in 2023. | Photo via Bethel Athletics
Breaking: Head coach of Bethel women’s soccer resigns
Senior political science major Peter Wicklander pauses while conversing with fellow students at the Turning Point USA meeting held in Kresge on Sept. 29. Wicklander proudly donned a Make America Great Again cap as he shared his thoughts on Bethel University’s political culture. “We are considered to be the most liberal Christian university in the state… and I think that definitely has a dampening effect on students’ desires to talk about and engage in politics,” Wicklander said.
Turning Point USA returns to Bethel with a goal of civility
Gallery: Cheer night kicks off homecoming 2025
Gallery: Cheer night kicks off homecoming 2025
We asked 102 Bethel students for their thoughts on gun control
The March sisters huddle around Marmee during Bethel's production of "Little Women." | Photo by Jolie Morehouse Olson
Behind the curtain of ‘Little Women’
5 autumn activities near Bethel
5 autumn activities near Bethel
Piehl empowers her audience to take hold of their story through the power of social media. Leaders can spread positivity and grow their careers through engaging on online platforms. “It actually can be an incredible place if you allow it to be, and you can meet and learn and connect and build trust, but you have to engage,” Piehl said. | Photo by Kailey Tan
Flipping through ‘Flip Your Script’
The The Anchor Fish and Chips sign glows on a rainy October evening in Northeast Minneapolis.
Lunch with Luca: Irish weather and Irish cuisine
Our guide to analog fall
Our guide to analog fall
The case for the fastest sport on Earth
Sophomore receiver Teagan Viebrock hauls in his first career touchdown to open the scoring in Bethel's 55-9 win Saturday. Viebrock, playing in his first game since breaking his collarbone against the University of Northwestern, caught four total passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns.
Penner’s Pen: Halloweekend was too spooky (including for me)
Royals head coach Ben Linder addresses his team following a game against Lake Forest in 2023. | Photo via Bethel Athletics
Breaking: Head coach of Bethel women’s soccer resigns
Bethel receiver Albert Rundell scampers across the field in the Royals' 53-0 win over Macalester Saturday. Rundell, who broke Bethel's single-game receiving record last week, grabbed 10 more passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns against Macalester.
Penner’s Pen: The grind continues
Junior middle blocker Peyton Howie swings away during Bethel's match against Gustavus Adolphus College Saturday evening. Howie and freshman Sara Scherber each led the struggling Bethel hitters with 10 kills apiece in the Royals' three-set loss.
Penner’s pen: Did it really have to be Heritage?
The case for the fastest sport on Earth
Why does it feel like Socrates is everywhere?
Why does it feel like Socrates is everywhere?
Discounted tuition, discounted students
Discounted tuition, discounted students
How evangelical worship turned me Catholic
How evangelical worship turned me Catholic
Our guide to analog fall
Our guide to analog fall
Emily Christiansen and Taylor Hanson talk all things love in episode two of "A Little Bit of Everything."
All things love
Emily Christiansen and Sadie Buteyn record the pilot episode of A Little Bit of Everything with Emily Christiansen.
Another Clarion podcast? It’s Emily’s fault
4 Nations, NBA All Star weekend and “what-ifs”
Super Bowl recap, college hoops preview and trivia games
Ball Knowledge with Cooper Drews
Ball Knowledge with Cooper Drews
Emily Christiansen and Taylor Hanson talk all things love in episode two of "A Little Bit of Everything."
All things love
Emily Christiansen and Sadie Buteyn record the pilot episode of A Little Bit of Everything with Emily Christiansen.
Another Clarion podcast? It’s Emily’s fault
4 Nations, NBA All Star weekend and “what-ifs”
Super Bowl recap, college hoops preview and trivia games
Ball Knowledge with Cooper Drews
Ball Knowledge with Cooper Drews
TFTB: What's the most embarrassing thing you wore in middle school?
TFTB: What’s the most embarrassing thing you wore in middle school?
TFTB: Tell us about your first crush
TFTB: Tell us about your first crush
TFTB: What's something your mom doesn't know about you?
TFTB: What’s something your mom doesn’t know about you?
The Student News Site of Bethel University

The Clarion
The Student News Site of Bethel University

The Clarion
Bennett Moger

Bennett Moger, Staff Photographer

All content by Bennett Moger
Sophomore receiver Teagan Viebrock hauls in his first career touchdown to open the scoring in Bethel's 55-9 win Saturday. Viebrock, playing in his first game since breaking his collarbone against the University of Northwestern, caught four total passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns.

[Photo] Penner’s Pen: Halloweekend was too spooky (including for me)

Aiden Penner, Sports Editor
November 3, 2025
Bethel receiver Albert Rundell scampers across the field in the Royals' 53-0 win over Macalester Saturday. Rundell, who broke Bethel's single-game receiving record last week, grabbed 10 more passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns against Macalester.

[Photo] Penner’s Pen: The grind continues

Aiden Penner, Sports Editor
October 28, 2025
Junior middle blocker Peyton Howie swings away during Bethel's match against Gustavus Adolphus College Saturday evening. Howie and freshman Sara Scherber each led the struggling Bethel hitters with 10 kills apiece in the Royals' three-set loss.

[Photo] Penner’s pen: Did it really have to be Heritage?

Aiden Penner, Sports Editor
October 20, 2025
Senior safety Devin Williams lands a hit on Saint John's running back Caden Wheeler at the goal line to keep the game tied in the third quarter. Williams led Bethel with 11 tackles and an interception in Saturday's 17-10 win.

[Photo] Penner’s pen: Hot vs. not-so-hot

Aiden Penner, Sports Editor
October 6, 2025
Junior setter Ellie Van Namen celebrates a point for the Bethel University volleyball team. Bethel's team culture and success attracted Van Namen to play for head coach Gretchen Hunt and now, despite an injury, she leads this year's large freshman class in playing important roles on the team off the court. "People are so young who are playing; that's a little bit harder," Van Namen said. "It will also be cool to see later in the season who steps up to that challenge."

[Photo] Inside the Division III recruiting process

Aiden Penner, Sports Editor
September 30, 2025
Lineman Tristen Cantu lifts running back Taye Manns in celebration following one of his three touchdowns in Bethel University's 62-12 win over Hamline University.

[Photo] Penner’s pen: Wins all around

Aiden Penner, Sports Editor
September 29, 2025
Senior center back Ryan Swanda celebrates following the second goal of his hat trick performance Wednesday versus St. Mary's University.

[Photo] Penner’s pen: Ain’t it fun?

Aiden Penner, Sports Editor
September 22, 2025
Members of the Bethel Ultimate Frisbee team run across the field at Royal Stadium during their second practice of the season under the lights Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. Lights were installed at the stadium over the summer, providing opportunities for night games, more summer camps and evening practices, according to Athletic Director Greg Peterson.

[Photo] Recap: What changed at Bethel over the summer?

Clarion staff
September 16, 2025
Freshman running back Taye Manns leaps two University of Northwestern defenders for his first collegiate touchdown.

[Photo] Penner’s pen: This week in Bethel sports

Aiden Penner, Sports Editor
September 15, 2025
Junior catcher Chris Lavin celebrates with junior left fielder Joe Meurer after crossing home plate to take a 5-2 lead in the fifth inning of the Royals opening round matchup with Saint John’s Friday night at Becker Park. Meurer went 1-4 at the plate with a stolen base and two runs in the Royals 6-3 win over the Johnnies.

[Photo] Royals slide past Saint John’s and into the winner’s bracket

CJ Wrzesien
May 10, 2025
Bethel University fifth year sprinter Jacob Parent and junior sprinter Grant Nelson shake hands after the 400 meter dash at the Bethel Invitational at Royal Stadium on Saturday April 12. Nelson ran a personal best 46.70 in the individual event and the 4x400 relay team finished second with a time of 3:08.42, finishing second behind the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

[Photo] Target on their backs

CJ Wrzesien
May 13, 2025
Freshman wide receiver Alaina Bonacquista carries the football through the middle of the defense during practice April 10. Bonacquista, also a member of the women’s basketball team, helps bring energy to the team, something she carries over from the hardwood. “We have encouraged each other so well and supported each other in this new thing,” Bonacquista said. “I think we're all each other's biggest fans.”

Freshman cornerback Cada Scott smiles as she faces a teammate in practice April 10. Scott hesitated to join Bethel University’s women’s flag football team, but ultimately couldn’t resist the opportunity to compete in a new sport. “We've never really gotten to experience playing [football],” Scott said. “Because there hasn't been a way to do it where girls would like it.”

Freshman wide receiver Alaina Bonacquista carries the football through the middle of the defense during practice April 10. Bonacquista, also a member of the women’s basketball team, helps bring energy to the team, something she carries over from the hardwood. “We have encouraged each other so well and supported each other in this new thing,” Bonacquista said. “I think we're all each other's biggest fans.”

[Photo] Broken fingers, chinchillas and “cellys”

Aiden Penner
May 13, 2025
The Bethel University women's basketball team lines up side-by-side with Bethel's student section. Energy was high during the MIAC championship Saturday, thanks in large part to the student section.

[Photo] Royals fall just shy of MIAC playoff championship

Aiden Penner
March 3, 2025
Bethel University junior winger Tyler Braccini prepares for a shot attempt in the Saint Mary’s zone during the Royals 6-3 win over the Cardinals on Feb.7. Braccini finished the regular season as the MIAC leader in points with 28 and goals with 18. “It’s great that I have 18 goals, but it just speaks to the guys I’m playing with,” Braccini said. “Like Jack Brown, Joe Westlund, Spencer Kring and Braeden Bartoo on the power play as well.”

[Photo] Rivalry renewed: Royals and Oles set for playoff battle once again

CJ Wrzesien
February 27, 2025
Junior guard Colette “Coco” Duininck stays in step with Hamline University guard Kate Trachsel in the Royals’ 52-33 win Feb. 15. Like Penke, Duininck earned a role as captain through her hustle and defense.

[Photo] A long time coming

Aiden Penner
February 25, 2025
Bethel University graduate forward Lydia Hay fights for a ball against Gustavus Adolphus College senior forward Rachel Kawiecki during Saturday afternoon's matchup. The Royals gave up nine turnovers in the first quarter, leading to a 10-point deficit early and a 73-61 loss when it was all said and done.

[Photo] Royals no longer undefeated

Aiden Penner
February 8, 2025
Bethel fifth-year guard Anna Garfield drives past a Macalester defender Jan. 11. Garfield scored her 1,000th point Wednesday night in a 77-47 demolition of Carleton College.

[Photo] Royals basketball sweeps Knights: Men hang on while women dominate

Aiden Penner
January 16, 2025
Bethel University sophomore quarterback Cooper Drews and freshman wide receiver Teagan Viebrock embrace each other after a tough 24-21 loss to Susquehanna University in the national quarterfinals Saturday afternoon. The loss knocked the Royals out of the 2024 NCAA Division III playoffs, it’s the third time since 2018 Bethel has seen its season end in the elite eight.

[Photo] Royals fall to River Hawks in all-too-familiar fashion in national quarterfinal

CJ Wrzesien
December 15, 2024
Bethel University cornerback Devin Williams leaps up to make an acrobatic catch and intercept Wartburg College quarterback Riley Richards during the Royals 24-14 win over the Knights Saturday afternoon at Walston-Hoover Stadium. The Bethel secondary picked off Richards three times on Saturday with one being returned for a touchdown. “Plays like that, they’re huge plays in the game,” junior safety Matt Jung said. “Big momentum plays and the team with the most momentum plays a lot of times wins the game.”

[Photo] Royals charge past Knights and into the elite eight

CJ Wrzesien
December 9, 2024
Bethel University quarterback Cooper Drews’ breath is visible as he calls for the snap during the Royals 48-21 win over Lake Forest College Saturday. The Royals and the Foresters battled through the late November chill with a game time high of 19 degrees during the second round NCAA playoff matchup at Royal Stadium. “The cold weather was kind of another challenge,” Drews said. “We talked about we’re not going to let that affect us, but obviously you stand out there for the whole game you’re going to feel it.”

[Photo] Royals rumble past Foresters and into the third round of playoffs

CJ Wrzesien
November 30, 2024
Royals defenders Jacob Holmen, Caden DeWall and Kolin Baier swarm Coe College quarterback Brady Kelly for a sack during Bethel’s 31-26 NCAA playoff victory Saturday. The trio combined for eight of Bethel’s ten sacks during the game, holding Coe to 22 total rushing yards. “That was fun,” Bethel head coach and defensive play caller Mike McElroy said. “Those guys have kind of been the anchor all year for us.”

[Photo] Dominant Royals’ defensive line made life hard for Kohawks

Aiden Penner
November 23, 2024
Camo print or galaxy print? "I had to think about what I would wear." -- Sam Clapp, sophomore

What planet is most Bethel? "I've never associated the two with each other." -- TJ Strubbe, freshman

"It was hard to think what planet Bethel was. It made me think." -- Weston Rolf, freshman

The Bethel University football team huddles up postgame and recites the Lord’s Prayer, a team tradition even in defeat. The Royals 2024 record now sits at 8-2 after falling 41-33 in the MIAC championship game to St.John’s University. “I was just proud of our guys battling, and came up short,” Bethel head coach Mike McElroy said. “And got to find ways to make plays and big stuff happen, and we made one less big play today than they did.”

[Photo] Royals come up just short in Collegeville

CJ Wrzesien
November 16, 2024
Junior winger Tlyer Braccini carries the puck into the Stout defensive zone during the Royals 5-3 win over the University of Wisconsin-Stout Friday night at Bethel University Arena. Braccini accounted for three of the Royals five goals and tallied his first career hat trick in the win.

[Photo] Braccini’s hat trick gives Royals their first win

CJ Wrzesien
November 16, 2024
Grace Solberg (37) subs out during Bethel's October 2 matchup against Macalester. She finished Tuesday night's playoff matchup with a career-high 22 kills.

[Photo] Royals surge past Oles in MIAC quarterfinals

CJ Wrzesien
November 13, 2024
Bethel University sophomore quarterback Cooper Drews fires a pass over the middle to receiver Micah Niewald. Drews finished Saturday's game with 422 passing yards, a career high, as well as Bethel's single-season passing touchdowns record.

[Photo] The streak continues

Aiden Penner
November 5, 2024
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