The Student News Site of Bethel University

The Clarion
A new addition to the archives
Who are Bethel students voting for?
Ready set vote
Deciphering the 2024 presidential candidates’ policies
Cadie Logston practices a fight scene as the White Witch with cast member Leo Fay as Peter. The weapons used in the production were brought in by stage combat trainer Aaron Preusse. | Photo by Amy Holmberg
Combat and Christ: Bethel’s interpretation of a popular tale
Chris Moore stands in front of his students during his Foreign Relations class Friday Nov. 1. As Election Day approaches, Moore and his co-host Andy Bramsen want students to be equipped to have political conversations with those around them. "We created the podcast with the goal of modeling talking about politics civilly and not so divisively," Bramsen said.
“Election Shock Therapy” with Chris Moore
Graciela Pérez joins the Department of Languages and Cultures
Graciela Pérez joins the Department of Languages and Cultures
No Intro Needed
No Intro Needed
Bethel University students worship during chapel service, Wednesday Sept. 25, 2024. The “Come and See” Chapel series is a deep dive into the Gospel of John, beckoning students to experience the fullness of the Lord. “For the first time, at Bethel, the entire community is studying the Gospel of John. We’re doing the same thing, talking the same language, pursuing and asking to hear from God using the same content. It unifies our campus in a unique and neat way,” campus pastor, Nick Cocalis, said.
Worship on campus: A season of spiritual awakening
Cadets, Ashlyn Erickson and Paige Caouette, smile with fellow cadets after completing the Norwegian foot march. The training event included marching 19.2 miles with equipment strapped to their backs. The soldiers are glad the event is over, but ready for the next one. “It takes a lot sometimes or sometimes it can be easy,” Erickson said. | Photo submitted by Ashlyn Erickson.
The ROTC Experience
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.”
Royals come up just short in Collegeville
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.
Braccini’s hat trick gives Royals their first win
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.
Royals surge past Oles in MIAC quarterfinals
The Bethel men's soccer team applauds the many fans that showed up for the 2 p.m. kickoff Monday. Bethel lost its first ever home playoff game 5-2 versus the Carleton College Knights. | Photo by Teresa Brubaker, Bethel Athletics
Historic season comes to an end
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.
The streak continues
The third option
Uh-oh, I voted for Kamala Harris
Confessions of a former college dropout
Would you believe me if I told you I’m lonely?
Guest column: Response to ‘Prism: A space to feel known’
Cooper Drews and Tyler Gustafson!
Cooper Drews and Tyler Gustafson!
No Intro Needed
No Intro Needed
Homecoming recap, ASMR and Aiden’s Roman Empire
Homecoming recap, ASMR and Aiden’s Roman Empire
Double Coverage Episode 2: Peyton Howie!
Double Coverage Episode 2: Peyton Howie!
Records, siblings and Cows
Records, siblings and Cows
Cooper Drews and Tyler Gustafson!
Cooper Drews and Tyler Gustafson!
No Intro Needed
No Intro Needed
Homecoming recap, ASMR and Aiden’s Roman Empire
Homecoming recap, ASMR and Aiden’s Roman Empire
Double Coverage Episode 2: Peyton Howie!
Double Coverage Episode 2: Peyton Howie!
Records, siblings and Cows
Records, siblings and Cows
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
CJ Wrzesien

CJ Wrzesien, Sports Reporter

CJ Wrzesien, 25, is a senior organizational communication major with a minor in journalism. He enjoys watching Twins games at Target Field, attempting to play guitar and occasionally breaking 100 on the golf course. 

[email protected]

All content by CJ Wrzesien
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.”

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.

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.

Royals surge past Oles in MIAC quarterfinals

CJ Wrzesien
November 13, 2024
Bethel head coach Gretchen Hunt talks to her team during a timeout in Bethel's October 2 game against Macalester.

Gusties prove they’re still the team to beat in sweep of Royals

CJ Wrzesien
November 4, 2024
Junior defensive back Matt Jung returns his nation leading sixth interception during the second quarter of the Royals 73-8 win over Augsburg University on Saturday Oct. 22. Jung currently leads the Royals in tackles (27) and interceptions (7) in 2024. “I definitely could say I’m more of a leader this year,” Jung said. “I feel like guys listen to me more now, after I’ve been here a whole season. But at the same time everyone’s making plays.”

From Neenah to Bethel: The fight continues for Matt Jung

CJ Wrzesien
October 30, 2024

Cooper Drews and Tyler Gustafson!

Aiden Penner and CJ Wrzesien
October 27, 2024
Bethel University sophomore quarterback Cooper Drews takes a 32-yard run into Piper territory during the third quarter of the Royals 70-0 win over Hamline University on Saturday afternoon. Drew’s 91% completion percentage and six passing touchdowns are both single game career highs for the sophomore transfer. | Photo by Bethel Athletics

Royals race past Pipers with another offensive onslaught

CJ Wrzesien
October 27, 2024

Homecoming recap, ASMR and Aiden’s Roman Empire

Aiden Penner and CJ Wrzesien
October 18, 2024

Royals rout Auggies in key conference matchup

CJ Wrzesien
October 16, 2024

Double Coverage Episode 2: Peyton Howie!

Aiden Penner and CJ Wrzesien
October 9, 2024
Junior defensive back Devin Williams returns a tipped interception 62-yards, setting up the Royals offense in prime field position early in their 43-0 win over Gustavus Adolphus College Saturday afternoon. The Royals forced four turnovers on defense, with Williams picking off two Sandven passes in a game where they held the Gusties to just 65 yards on offense. “After taking a tough loss to the Johnnies last week, this week was a little more dialed in, had a lot more fun. I think that’s the reason we were able to come out on top as a defense.” Williams said. | Photo by Bennett Moger

Royals defense makes statement in win over Gustavus

CJ Wrzesien
October 6, 2024
Junior outside hitter Grace Solberg and freshman outside hitter Lauren Hetfeld celebrate after a kill during Wednesday’s game against Macalester College. Solberg’s .512 hitting percentage was key to the Royals 3-0 victory Wednesday night. | Photo by Bennett Moger

Royals continue their hot streak in sweep of Scots

CJ Wrzesien
October 4, 2024
Records, siblings and Cows

Records, siblings and Cows

CJ Wrzesien and Aiden Penner
September 28, 2024
Gavin Rataj bats away a UW-Eau Claire pass. Rataj recorded six tackles and one pass breakup in the Royals’ 51-30 win Saturday.

Kidder, Royals offense shine in win

CJ Wrzesien and Aiden Penner
September 23, 2024
Jordan Ross’ team leading third goal of the season was all the Royals offense could muster in a tough 2-1 loss to St. Olaf to begin MIAC play Tuesday afternoon. | Photo provided by Austin Lagesse.

Royals falter in MIAC openers

CJ Wrzesien
September 19, 2024
Junior safety Matt Jung celebrates with Bethel’s defense following one of his two interceptions Saturday. Jung led a dominant Bethel defense that held Northwestern’s offense to three points and just 84 total yards.

In moonlight (and new uniforms) Royals football gets first win of 2024

Aiden Penner and CJ Wrzesien
September 16, 2024
First-year Bethel head coach Mike McElroy walks through practice Tuesday afternoon ahead of Saturday evening’s season opener. McElroy took the head coach job in January after coordinating Bethel’s defense the past seven seasons and hopes to force opponents to spend ample time preparing to play Bethel. “We want to be expensive on offense and defense,” McElroy said.

What to expect from the 2024 Royals football team

Aiden Penner and CJ Wrzesien
September 12, 2024
Senior, Jack Wellen , shot an even 216 at the Minnesota Golf Classic Saturday, Sept. 7. The Royal's came out on top for the third consecutive season. | Photo provided by Austin Lagesse.

Royals earn third consecutive win at Minnesota Golf Classic

CJ Wrzesien
September 9, 2024
The Bethel University men’s soccer team celebrate together after freshman midfielder, Jack Gerber, scored the Royal’s fourth goal of the match against the University of Northwestern, Friday, August 30. The Royals took the first win of the season ending with a final score of 4-0. “The first game is always a little chaotic, a little crazy. Now we can calm down and exhale,” head coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec said.

Royals open 2024 season with victory over Northwestern

CJ Wrzesien, Sports Reporter
August 31, 2024
Junior forward Abbie DeLong carries the puck into the Marian defensive zone. While she didn’t find the scoresheet, DeLong recorded four of the Royals’ 38 shots on goal in the 3-1 victory over Marian. | Photo by Sarah Bakeman

Royals’ hockey earns sweep at the ROC

Aiden Penner, Ella Roberts, and Cj Wrzesien
December 10, 2023
Bethel University Head Football Coach Steve Johnson says goodbye to junior kicker Hugo Cifuentes after the last game of his coaching career. After the Royals’ loss, the team huddled around its coach, exchanging hugs with Johnson and each other, many of them crying.

Johnson’s final game epitomizes legacy

Aiden Penner and CJ Wrzesien
November 20, 2023
Royals’ season survives, Johnson’s legacy kept alive

Royals’ season survives, Johnson’s legacy kept alive

Aiden Penner and CJ Wrzesien
November 6, 2023
Load More Stories
Donate to The Clarion