By Gabe Stoesz, Scroll Staff Copy Editor
Several student-athletes at Bethany are taking advantage of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s [NCAA] extra year of eligibility granted to anyone participating in an athletic season impacted by COVID-19.
Per Bethany’s updated student-athlete handbook, athletes who utilize the option to exercise a fifth year of eligibility may do so without taking a full load (minimum 12 credits) of classes during his or her final two semesters during this academic year only. Typically, students taking fewer than 12 credits are only eligible to participate in athletics during his or her final semester, and no fifth year option is allowed, barring extenuating circumstances.
These provisions made by the NCAA and Bethany have allowed some of the Vikings’ most decorated athletes to add on to their legacy and compete for Upper Midwest Athletic Conference [UMAC] championships.
Fifth-year senior Maddie Perry, a forward on the women’s soccer team, is among the most recognizable Viking athletes returning.
Perry became the most prolific goal-scorer in team history late last season, when she notched her program-best 42nd career goal. Through the team’s first three games this season, Perry has tallied three goals and two assists, totaling eight points.
Those points have put Perry atop the century mark in total points in her career, and she is now just 15 points shy from passing Nicole Moldstad (2014-2017) for most in program history.
Perry had intended on ending her collegiate and athletic career last season, but three days prior to her graduation, she decided that putting on the cleats again in exchange for taking a couple classes was worth it.
“It was the most last-minute decision I have ever made, but it all worked out,” said Perry, who had the idea in her head to return for quite some time.
When asked how her approach to this season might be different, Perry mentioned the finality that this year brings.
“Just knowing that this is really it for soccer. Last year was so unknown, you never knew, but at the same time in the back of my mind I was like ‘I can come back, so it’s okay,’” said Perry.
Despite the personal accolades Perry can build upon this season, her main motivations in coming back were her passion for the game and desire to win.
“It would be cool to win the conference. That would be a really big step from where we’ve been, but I think we can do it. It would be a cool way to go out,” said Perry.
So far, so good for the women’s soccer team, as a roster bolstered by a host of incoming freshmen and Perry’s strong play has led to a 3-0 start.
As for the Vikings’ basketball teams, fifth-year seniors who otherwise would have graduated last year figure to provide a big boost to their respective teams’ championship hopes.
For the women’s team, an extra season of eligibility has granted Coach Lyle Jones and company an extended lease on their dynasty run, with both Hanna Geistfeld and Abby Olson returning as fifth-year seniors.
Geistfeld and Olson have earned national recognition for their stellar play during the team’s ongoing “three-peat” championship run. Both players, along with Coach Jones, represented Bethany on the USA’s Division III Women’s Basketball Select Team, which played three games in Brazil over the summer.
Like Perry, Geistfeld and Olson both decided to return in the final month of last school year.
Olson said that playing basketball was the biggest factor in returning, but this year has also allowed her to add an extra minor in her academic studies.
Her approach to this season is no different than from years’ past, as she strives to be the best teammate possible in an attempt to win a championship.
“My goals for the team are obviously to win conference and make it to the national tournament for the fourth time and win in the tournament,” said Olson.
On the men’s basketball team, prominent fifth-year seniors returning are forward Jared Milinkovich and guard Brian Smith, both of whom were on the 2019-20 UMAC Championship team.
Milinkovich made his decision to return earlier than most athletes, as he committed to returning after hearing it was an available option. Using a fifth year allows Milinkovich to add a minor while attempting to fulfill his athletic goals.
“The goals stay the same. Our team wants to win the conference and go to the NCAA Tournament. Personally, I’d like to hit my 1,000th [career] point this year and get [UMAC] all-defensive [team] again,” said Milinkovich.
Perhaps the team most impacted by the NCAA’s fifth year option is the Vikings baseball squad, which has experienced a myriad of championship success over the past four seasons.
Fifth-year seniors returning on the team include pitchers Ross Buemer, Adam Fjerstad, Nick Shubert and DH Jake Laberge. This core is seeking to put last season’s tournament losses to ex-UMAC foe St. Scholastica behind them and once again be crowned conference champions.
Whether or not the players’ goals of winning conference championships are ultimately reached, the abundance of Bethany athletes returning to compete for a fifth year is a credit to the experience student-athletes on campus have.
“I decided to return because I love the game and competition and I know I would regret it if I didn’t come back,” said Olson, a sentiment shared across the board among Vikings’ fifth-year seniors.
Sources: BLCVikings.com, UMACAthletics.com
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