Bethel Royals Overcome Heartbreak to Compete in D3 Quarterfinals

In a compelling narrative of resilience, the Bethel Royals are returning to the NCAA Division-III quarterfinals this Saturday, facing top-ranked North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. This comeback follows a heartbreaking end to last season when a controversial holding call denied them a chance at the semifinals. The events of December 2022 still resonate within the program, shaping their journey and mindset.

During that quarterfinal match against Susquehanna University, Bethel led by four points with just seconds remaining. On a critical fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line, Susquehanna’s Josh Ehrlich seemingly crossed into the end zone. The official ruled in favor of Susquehanna, allowing them to take the lead with only 40 seconds left on the clock. This left Bethel in a precarious position, but quarterback Cooper Drews quickly advanced the team down the field, connecting with Joey Kidder for what appeared to be a winning touchdown.

As excitement surged, a holding penalty nullified the score, leading to a bitter end to their season. “Obviously, we ended up being on the wrong side of that whole deal,” Drews reflected. “It definitely stings.”

A year later, Bethel has returned to the quarterfinals, this time as an undefeated team. Drews acknowledges that the memories of last season’s disappointment resurface, but he emphasizes the importance of growth from that experience. “We had chances to take that game and put it out of reach, and we just didn’t do that,” he said.

The coaching staff, led by Mike McElroy, has focused on fostering a culture of resilience within the team. He highlighted that the lessons from last year’s heartbreak extend beyond the field. “We talk all the time about how tough stuff grows us, and now we get to actually practice it,” McElroy said. This emphasis on character development is essential for the players as they navigate the ups and downs of sports and life.

As the Royals prepare for their upcoming match, the team reflects on their journey, including the significant changes made in the offseason due to graduations and player transfers. Despite a youth-laden roster, McElroy remains optimistic, stating, “We don’t rebuild, we reload.” He believes in developing talent within the existing framework of the team, encouraging players to embrace their potential.

The Royals’ defensive lineup has undergone significant transformations, providing opportunities for younger players to step up. McElroy describes this process as “a long obedience in the same direction,” where the team builds gradually and focuses on the development of both players and individuals.

Drews appreciates the supportive and nurturing environment within the team. He describes them as “the most loving and vulnerable group of guys I’ve been around.” This unity fosters accountability and pushes each player to strive for personal and collective excellence.

The Royals’ approach to the game is rooted in joy, a perspective that transcends the scoreboard. McElroy articulates this philosophy, emphasizing that “joy is not dictated by my circumstances or playing time.” He believes that maintaining a deeper sense of purpose allows players to withstand the pressures of competition.

As Bethel gears up for their quarterfinal clash, the focus remains on the lessons learned from past experiences. The team aims to channel their collective determination and resilience into their performance. “Those factors allow us to be really close to each other, and that allows us to push each other, hold each other accountable,” Drews said.

With the echoes of last season’s disappointment still fresh, the Bethel Royals are poised to take the field once more, ready to seize the moment and demonstrate their growth as both athletes and individuals.