By Melissa Young
MANKATO, MINN. (Jan. 28, 2009)—Bethany Lutheran College has named Michael Willitz as its head men’s and women’s varsity cross country coach, after senior administration approved an athletic department proposal to elevate the current Norsemen Running Club cross country program to varsity status starting in the fall of 2009.
“I've been blessed with a chance to take part in Bethany cross country in quite a different way than I first expected. It is awesome to see a new beginning for the program, and I am excited to be a part of it,” Willitz said. The achievements of the Norsemen Club have demonstrated that Bethany can be a strong competitor in the UMAC, and it will be great to see the Norsemen spirit carried over into two varsity teams.
Willitz went out for cross country his first week of ninth grade and has been a runner ever since. His team's successes culminated in a 5th place finish in the 2004 Florida Class 3A state finals. Willitz served as co-captain on the team. “A love for running has remained with me since I left high school,” Willitz said. It was a dream of mine to participate in collegiate cross country at Bethany. I was privileged to join with other runners at Bethany in the Norsemen Running Club.”
Willitz graduated from Bethany in 2008, with a degree in Liberal Arts focusing on History. He is currently serving in Wenling, China, as an English teacher. Willitz plans on returning to Mankato in early August after fulfilling the appointment.
“I am pleased to announce that Mike Willitz has been named as Bethany Lutheran College’s head men’s and women’s cross country coach. In doing our search it became apparent that Mike was the right man to start our first four year cross country program,” said Karl Fager, Bethany’s athletic director. “His willingness and desire to start our club team while volunteering of his time and talents to do so speaks volumes about Mike’s dedication to Bethany Lutheran College and to the sport of running. I look forward to Mike’s return from China and will be working with him to ensure a successful start up for our new programs.”