LINDSBORG — Eight individuals will be recognized for their contributions to Bethany College athletics during the 2026 Hall of Honor ceremony, according to a community announcement.
The event, scheduled for Oct. 25 during Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend, will celebrate former student-athletes, coaches, and supporters who have made a lasting impact on Swede Athletics.
"The Athletics Hall of Honor celebrates those who exemplify excellence, leadership and commitment in sport,” said Laura Moreno, dean of athletics. The 2026 class embodies those attributes and much more. From memorable performances in five different sports, to remarkable coaching careers in nearby communities, to local business owners who support our current Swedes students and staff, this entire group has elevated our programs and department andembodied the very best of our institution. We look forward to honoring and celebrating their extraordinary achievements this October.”
The Hall of Honor will induct four alumni who excelled in their respective sports:
Sven Delin (’01) was a captain of the golf team that won four consecutive conference championships and made four national championship appearances. He won the conference tournament twice and was a four-year all-conference academic athlete.
Vinny Butka (’82) was a three-time KCAC shot put champion, District 10 indoor shot put champion in 1981, ACCK champion in 1980 and 1982, and a three-time outdoor national qualifier. He ranks second in Bethany College history for shot put distance.
Tim Leaf (’81), awarded posthumously, was the KCAC Individual Champion in cross country in 1979 and 1980. He was the lead runner on Bethany College’s only KCAC championship team in 1979 and placed 33rd in the national cross country meet, the highest finish in school history. Leaf also set the school record in the 5,000-meter race with a time of 15:18.64.
Amy (Yonally) Wilson (’99) was a dual-sport athlete in softball and volleyball. She was named to an all-conference volleyball team, was a four-time all-conference softball player, an all-region softball award winner and made the All-American Farm Team.