Bethany Lutheran College announces the hiring of Don Westphal as the new Director of Athletics.
If there is anybody who is in-tune with the Bethany Lutheran community it is Westphal. He was a graduate of Bethany in 1987 and has spent the last 20 years working in the school’s admissions office, the last 13 of which were as Dean of Admissions. Additionally, Westphal spent time as the Sports Information Director and as the Public Relations Director.
“I am extremely honored to be named Director of Athletics at Bethany,” said Westphal. “Having worked here for the past two decades within both the admissions and athletic departments, I’m keenly aware of the tremendous importance intercollegiate athletics has on our campus, especially with the commitment to a Christian focus that Bethany has.
“The NCAA Division III experience brings a lifetime of benefits for our student-athletes down the road and our Viking teams have proven to be winners both on and off the court.”
After getting his AA degree from Bethany, Westphal earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications/Journalism from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 1990 and later achieved a Master of Arts degree in Sports Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1998.
“Don Westphal brings a unique skill set to lead Bethany’s athletic department,” said Dan Bruss, President of Bethany Lutheran College. “As Dean of Admissions, he clearly understood the valuable role intercollegiate athletics plays on our campus. His administrative expertise along with his sports journalism background will be essential here at Bethany, in the community, and with our alums.”
Bethany is coming off one of its greatest athletic seasons which included the school’s first appearance in a national tournament, in any sport, since it became a Division III member in 2004-05. As much athletic success the school is currently having, Westphal wants to also remember the past.
“I’m looking forward to re-engaging with our past Bethany athletes,” he said. “During their time representing BLC, many of our athletic alumni experienced a great deal of success with individual honors and team championships. Bethany has a very proud and rich athletic tradition and I want to honor that heritage as our department will continue to provide athletes with an opportunity to excel in the athletic arena and in the classroom.”
Westphal will take over the Director of Athletics position at Bethany on July 15.
