The Student News Site of Bethel University

The Clarion
Sophie Jacques and Sophia Najarian laugh as they make eggs for breakfast in their newly renovated Turnwall dorm. The two roommates had lived in Heritage Hall for two months, where they weren’t able to cook like they had originally planned.
Turnwall residents temporarily evicted due to mold
A new addition to the archives
Who are Bethel students voting for?
Ready set vote
Deciphering the 2024 presidential candidates’ policies
Bethel students Alivia Wulff and Grace Christensen serve CLUES by providing food to its clients and restocking items in the food shelf. At the food shelf, Wulff and Christensen interact with Hispanic clients and families. “It's just been really eye opening to see the same families come every week and they have their kids with them, and they're just all so happy and funny and just very nice and warm,” Wulff said.
Bridging the gap
Edgars Yarmolatiy sits in his freshman dorm room in Nelson Hall, a computer coding assignment on his desk behind him. Yarmolatiy is a freshman computer science major at Bethel University and a Ukrainian refugee. He fled his home once for Latvia in February 2022 and again for the United States in April 2023.
Home away from home
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 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.
Royals fall to River Hawks in all-too-familiar fashion in national quarterfinal
After running through a couple of warm-up drills the Bethel Ultimate Club team begins to scrimmage at their practice in the Sports and Recreation Center on Wednesday, Nov 11. Jeriah Young attempts to tip the frisbee away from the other team. “The program has had so much development this year… we have so many super passionate freshmen and new members on the team that the trajectory is definitely upward,” Shady said.
The ultimate goal
Fifth year captain Will Swanda rallies the Bethel University men’s soccer team before the first home MIAC playoff game in team history against Carleton College. The Royals went on to lose to the Knights by a score of 5-2 putting an end to one of the most successful seasons in team history. “One of the things we talk about as a team quite frequently is, you need to be in big games in order to win them next time.” Will Swanda said. | Photo by Bethel Athletics.
Today is a gift
Tyler Braccini found the back of the net for a team-leading eighth time this season with 1.9 seconds to go in overtime. His score gave the Royals a season sweep over St. John’s and a 3-1-0 MIAC record heading into Christmas break. | Photo by Bethel Athletics
Royals prevail in overtime to earn series sweep over Johnnies
Bethel University safety Matt Jung and defensive lineman Merrick Stacy celebrate after a defensive stop during the Royals 24-14 win over Wartburg College in the third round of the NCAA playoffs Saturday afternoon. Jung collected 7 total tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown in the win to help the Royals advance to the national quarterfinal against Susquehanna. “Our defense as a whole, we’re always ready,” Jung said. “If we get our hands on the ball we’re trying to score.”
Royals charge past Knights and into the elite eight
Does anyone know what a pink Pilates strut pop phase is?
Amy Holmberg poses with her older brother sporting their matching St. Mary's Point hockey jackets. Pigtails had been her go-to style until learning later that maybe they weren't as cool as she thought. | Photo submitted by Amy Holmberg.
Am I woman enough?
Like a quilt
From SportsCenter to the MIAC sports network
Stream “The Edge of Sleep”
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
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.

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

CJ Wrzesien
December 15, 2024
Fifth year captain Will Swanda rallies the Bethel University men’s soccer team before the first home MIAC playoff game in team history against Carleton College. The Royals went on to lose to the Knights by a score of 5-2 putting an end to one of the most successful seasons in team history. “One of the things we talk about as a team quite frequently is, you need to be in big games in order to win them next time.” Will Swanda said. | Photo by Bethel Athletics.

Today is a gift

CJ Wrzesien
December 13, 2024
Tyler Braccini found the back of the net for a team-leading eighth time this season with 1.9 seconds to go in overtime. His score gave the Royals a season sweep over St. John’s and a 3-1-0 MIAC record heading into Christmas break. | Photo by Bethel Athletics

Royals prevail in overtime to earn series sweep over Johnnies

CJ Wrzesien
December 9, 2024
Bethel University safety Matt Jung and defensive lineman Merrick Stacy celebrate after a defensive stop during the Royals 24-14 win over Wartburg College in the third round of the NCAA playoffs Saturday afternoon. Jung collected 7 total tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown in the win to help the Royals advance to the national quarterfinal against Susquehanna. “Our defense as a whole, we’re always ready,” Jung said. “If we get our hands on the ball we’re trying to score.”

Royals charge past Knights and into the elite eight

CJ Wrzesien
December 9, 2024

From SportsCenter to the MIAC sports network

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.”

Royals rumble past Foresters and into the third round of playoffs

CJ Wrzesien
November 30, 2024
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
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