Pilot Championships
The Bethel College Pilots are one of the most successful programs in the country. Its brand of basketball is marked by passion, dedication, heart, and championship tradition. The Pilots, old and new, have mastered the art of net-cutting, ring-sizing, and banner-raising. With 7 National Championships, 10 conference crowns and 41 All-Americans Bethel Basketball is regarded as one of the premiere programs in college basketball.
National Championships (7): 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2007
- View the shots that each won a national championship by clicking: The Shots
National Runner-Up (3): 1981, 1999, 2005
Mid-Central Conference Championships (10): 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2009
NCCAA Regional Championships (19): 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
National Players of the Year (3): Rico Swanson (97, 98), William Walker (09)
- The success of Bethel College has brought the acknowledgment of some big names in college basketball.
Tubby Smith-Minnesota “Congratulation to Mike for his induction into the NAIA. It is a well deserved honor. I played in the NAIA as a student-athlete and have always been impressed with what Bethel continues to do in men’s basketball.”
Mike Krzyzewski-Duke University “I am very aware of what Bethel basketball has done over the years and its great accomplishments. Bethel has produced great players and great people.”
Tom Izzo-Michigan State University “What a tradition Bethel has! Wiekamp is a beautiful place to play and Bethel is a beautiful campus for a student to attend. This truly is a quality program and school.”
Tom Crean-Indiana University “I remember coaching against Bethel during my time at Alma College. What a nice program and great tradition they’ve developed over the years.
Steve Alford-University of New Mexico “I have coached against Bethel. They always play aggressive defense and play up tempo. Their success on and off the court is hard to match. They are always fun to watch.
Scott Drew-Baylor University “When I think of Bethel basketball I think of dynasty. The Pilots are always tough and you better be prepared for a battle or they will beat you.”
Mike Brey-University of Notre Dame “Mike Lightfoot has done a wonderful job at Bethel College. His successs both on and off the court is something we all strive for as coaches. He is one of the best coaches at any level.”
Homer Drew-Valparaiso University “Mike has taken the Bethel program to the highest level. I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments.”
Justin Masterson-Cleveland Indians Pitcher “Coach Lightfoot has built a program in it’s truest sense; Which not only entails the players, but everyone supporting. I am proud to be a part of that supporting cast, that though my forte was baseball, my passion came with every basketball game, win or loss. Though the seasons change…the passion is always there! A small program with a BIG league atmosphere. That’s Bethel College basketball!”
