Photo: Members of the Bethel College softball team pull off the covering to reveal their campus field’s new sign, honoring major donor and Bethel vice president for business affairs Allen Wedel. Photo by Melanie Zuercher.  Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas, softball honored the individual who has been almost single-handedly responsible for making sure the team has a place to play on campus. The Threshers dedicated “Allen Wedel Field” on April 8 in between the two games of a double-header with McPherson (Kansas) College. “One of the best things I did the last time I was president was to hire Allen Wedel [as vice president for business administration],” said John Sheriff, Bethel College interim president serving his third term in the role. “We’re here to honor his contribution to softball. He’s an ardent supporter and a faithful fan.” Sheriff continued, “I want to give a word of appreciation to Stacy [Middleton, head coach]. She started the team from nothing [in 2011] and has grown it to where it is today. In her character, her relationships, her coaching and her Christian witness, she’s a model for all of us.” Middleton credited Wedel with being “behind this program from the word ‘Go!’ This field is due to his great vision. “We are one of only four [out of 12] KCAC teams with a field on campus, which gives a chance for faculty

and staff to attend some of our games. “We have the biggest and nicest dugouts in the KCAC, a permanent outfield fence–we used to have a snow fence with towels hung on the poles–and extra clay for the field.” These features are all due to financial gifts from Wedel. “We’re honored to be part of Allen’s legacy,” Middleton concluded, “and blessed with support from so many.” “I’m humbled by this honor,” Wedel said. “As Stacy said, it takes a number of people to keep this going.” Bethel competes within the 12-school Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and the NAIA.