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BETHANY ATHLETICS ANNOUNCES COURTNEY STRAUSS AS HEAD WRESTLING COACH
April 8, 2019
LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Bethany College Department of Athletics announces the hiring of Courtney Strauss ’15 as the head of the Swedes wrestling program.
Strauss was previously the interim head coach for the Swedes during the 2018-19 season.
“Coach Strauss is a successful alumnus of Bethany College who loves God and who loves people,” Bethany College President, Will Jones said. “He has done great work with our wrestling team this year. With his leadership and hard work, I am confident our wrestling program will achieve conference and national recognition in the years to come.”
Strauss has been a part of the Bethany wrestling program as a coach since the fall of 2015. Throughout this time he has helped to lead practices, recruiting efforts, as well as aiding the student-athletes’ efforts in the classroom. He has also coached 16 national qualifiers in his time at Bethany.
Outside of his time at Bethany, Strauss has also helped with numerous camps and tournaments.
During his time as a Swede wrestler, Strauss was a three-time NAIA National Tournament Qualifier from the years 2012-2014 and earned NAIA Academic All-American honors in 2012. In addition to this, Strauss was named the NAIA National Wrestling Champion of Character in 2015. Strauss is also the career record holder in the wins category with 99, as well as keeping the career pins record with 50
“First off, I would like to thank President Will Jones and Athletics Director Laura Moreno for giving me this opportunity. It truly is a blessing to be given this title and role at Bethany College,” Strauss said. “I have been a part of the Bethany College wrestling team since the beginning of the program in 2011 as a competitor and now as a Coach. I am excited to continue being a positive influence to these young men.”
Strauss graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education K-12 from Bethany College in December 2015. During this time, Strauss accumulated at 3.3 grade point average.
“We are very excited to have Courtney Strauss lead Bethany College Wrestling,” Interim Athletics Director Laura Moreno stated. “Courtney is a proven leader who has the right skill set to both grow our wrestling program and build on its most recent success.”
– #RockarStockar –
Strauss was previously the interim head coach for the Swedes during the 2018-19 season.
“Coach Strauss is a successful alumnus of Bethany College who loves God and who loves people,” Bethany College President, Will Jones said. “He has done great work with our wrestling team this year. With his leadership and hard work, I am confident our wrestling program will achieve conference and national recognition in the years to come.”
Strauss has been a part of the Bethany wrestling program as a coach since the fall of 2015. Throughout this time he has helped to lead practices, recruiting efforts, as well as aiding the student-athletes’ efforts in the classroom. He has also coached 16 national qualifiers in his time at Bethany.
Outside of his time at Bethany, Strauss has also helped with numerous camps and tournaments.
During his time as a Swede wrestler, Strauss was a three-time NAIA National Tournament Qualifier from the years 2012-2014 and earned NAIA Academic All-American honors in 2012. In addition to this, Strauss was named the NAIA National Wrestling Champion of Character in 2015. Strauss is also the career record holder in the wins category with 99, as well as keeping the career pins record with 50
“First off, I would like to thank President Will Jones and Athletics Director Laura Moreno for giving me this opportunity. It truly is a blessing to be given this title and role at Bethany College,” Strauss said. “I have been a part of the Bethany College wrestling team since the beginning of the program in 2011 as a competitor and now as a Coach. I am excited to continue being a positive influence to these young men.”
Strauss graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education K-12 from Bethany College in December 2015. During this time, Strauss accumulated at 3.3 grade point average.
“We are very excited to have Courtney Strauss lead Bethany College Wrestling,” Interim Athletics Director Laura Moreno stated. “Courtney is a proven leader who has the right skill set to both grow our wrestling program and build on its most recent success.”
– #RockarStockar –
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State. 锘� Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.