EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University’s spring athletic season recently concluded, marking the completion of the 2024-25 athletic calendar year. Beacon athletes made their presence known, setting new records, exemplifying character, and earning championships in the process.
The season was marked by eight Cascade Collegiate Conference Players of the Week, eight All-Conference selections, and an impressive 56 student-athletes earning Academic All-Conference honors. Additionally, 46 Beacons were named NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 27 earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District recognition, and Bushnell’s Athletic Training staff was honored as the Conference Athletic Training Staff of the Year.
Outdoor Track and Field
Sophomore Kaleo Wellman earned All-CCC honors with a second-place finish in the long jump
Jermaine Schexnayder claimed the CCC triple jump title (14.84m / 48-08.25) and was co-champion in the high jump (2.03m / 6-08)
Bushnell’s women’s 4x100m relay team took fourth place at the CCC Championships, clocking the sixth-fastest time in school history at 49.49.
The outdoor track & field teams made major strides this spring, qualifying 26 athletes for the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championships.
Sophomore Jermaine Schexnayder had a breakout meet, claiming CCC titles in both the high jump and triple jump. Sophomore Kaleo Wellman continued his strong form from the indoor season, finishing second in the CCC long jump and qualifying for the NAIA National Championships.
In total, four track athletes earned All-Conference honors. Off the track, the men’s team was recognized as the CCC Team of Character, and head coach Kyle Will was named the CCC Coach of Character, celebrating the team’s commitment to sportsmanship and integrity.
Softball
Pitcher Emily Cole on the mound during a game against Corban
Violet Richardson is welcomed at home plate by teammates after hitting a home run against Carroll College
Pitcher Sara Martin talks with first baseman Riley Peeler during a game at Corban
Bushnell softball enjoyed its most successful campaign in nearly a decade, recording 15 wins, the highest total in nine years. A signature win came with a 3-0 upset victory over #13-ranked Eastern Oregon University in conference play.
Sophomore Violet Richardson and junior Sara Martin were named to the CCC Second-Team All-Conference, while Emily Cole earned Honorable Mention. Off the field, junior Gracie Hamilton was honored with the CCC Cashell Family Impact Scholarship Award, recognizing her leadership and character.
Baseball
Kai Keamo delivers a pitch in a game against Corban
Team celebrates a walk-off home run by senior Jordan Wilson against Saint Martin's University
Ethan Stacy celebrates after a go-ahead home run against Warner Pacific
The Beacons baseball team put together another historic season, winning a school-record 32 games and finishing fourth in the CCC with a 22-15 conference record, earning a return trip to the CCC Tournament.
They dominated at home, recording 23 wins at the Hamlin Sports Complex, including eight walk-off victories; they also strung together impressive eight-game and nine-game winning streaks. The team boasted the second-best ERA in the CCC and led the conference in shutouts, saves, and opponent batting average.
Senior Jordan Wilson earned First-Team All-Conference honors, while seniors Will Hudler and Ethan Stacy and sophomore Chase Nye were recognized with CCC Gold Glove Awards. Nye also made history as the first Beacon to receive a national Gold Glove Award, earning the honor at third base from the NAIA and American Baseball Coaches Association. Nye committed just two errors all season (zero at third base) and posted a .986 fielding percentage while also batting .309 with a team-high 55 hits. The team was also honored at the annual Iggy Awards with the Heike McNeil Cup as Bushnell’s Team of the Year.
Esports
Zach Claunch playing Teamfight Tactics
Esports team in action during a Fortnite match
Kyle Foss competing in a Rocket League match
It was a successful spring for Bushnell Esports, with six teams earning postseason berths in titles including FC24, College Football, NBA 2K, Fortnite, Rocket League, and Teamfight Tactics. Rocket League went undefeated in the regular season before advancing to the round of 16 in the playoffs. Freshman Zack Claunch distinguished himself in Teamfight Tactics, spending much of the regular season in second place on the leaderboard and finishing sixth in the national finals.
Golf
Ben Lovrod tees off during a tournament round
Peyton Wiedenmann tees off during a tournament round
Jada Richwine follows through and watches her shot during a tournament round
The Bushnell men’s golf team posted their best team score of the season at the Simpson Spring Invitational, finishing third overall with rounds of 297 and 294, for a 591 total. Senior Benjamin Lovrod capped off his academic career in style, receiving the President’s Scholastic Award at spring commencement for his perfect 4.0 GPA.
The women’s golf team was recognized for its commitment to sportsmanship, earning the CCC Team Sportsmanship Award.
Beach Volleyball
Olivia Kelzenberg and Jazmyn Wilcox celebrate a point during a match against #10 College of Idaho
Laci Jespersen (left) and Sydney Myhre (right) during a beach volleyball matchup against Corban
Anessa Stotts (left) and Jade Hayes (right) during a beach volleyball matchup against the University of Portland
Beach volleyball earned a season highlight with a sweep of the series against Simpson University, notching three victories.
The pair of junior Laci Jespersen and sophomore Sydney Myhre delivered a memorable season, finishing 10-8 and earning the best winning percentage in school history. The duo picked up four wins against NAIA top-ten opponents.
Support the Beacons and Stay Connected
Bushnell University encourages fans and supporters to stay updated on all Beacon Athletics by visiting www.bushnellbeacons.com. Prospective student-athletes interested in attending and playing at Bushnell University should fill out a recruiting interest form for the sport they are interested in.
Explore spring season photos of any team at the Beacons photo gallery by visiting www.bushnellbeacons.pixieset.com.