Three days of reunions, Hall of Fame honors and Wildcat traditions brought the Bethel family back to campus.
by Bethel University
MCKENZIE, Tenn. – From tie-dye and tacos to a 50-year class reunion and a Hall of Fame induction, Homecoming 2026 brought Bethel University students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members together Oct. 15-17 for three days of Wildcat spirit and time-honored traditions.
Thursday brings a Day of Fun
Homecoming opened Thursday, Oct. 15, with Bethel's second annual Day of Fun, featuring tie-dye and tacos at the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment, games and a rock climbing wall on the Quad, and pumpkin painting throughout the day.
That evening, local food trucks Walley's Taters and Sweet Heifers set up at the pickleball courts ahead of the annual Faculty & Staff vs. Student Pickleball Grudge Match, where players competed. Sofia Canto Hurtabo and Gabriel Perini claimed this year’s bragging rights and a perfectly pickled trophy created by Nikki Klopfenstein.
Friday honors Bethel's legacy
On Friday, golfers braved wind and chilly temperatures at Carroll Lake Golf Club for the Jerry Wilcoxson Memorial Golf Tournament. The annual event pays tribute to the late Dr. Wilcoxson, Bethel's former athletic director, coach and professor, and took his name after his death in 2015. Proceeds benefit the University's men's and women's golf teams.
Teddy Shimkus captained the winning team, finishing 18 under par alongside Brian Smith, Tyler Smith and Charli Weatherford. Closest-to-the-pin winners were Dale Newsome, Zach Douglas, Greg Robinson and Merle Chacon, while Martina Gonzalez took the marshmallow longest drive.
That afternoon, guests gathered in the Kathy Sacks Art Gallery in the Dickey Fine Arts Building for a sip-and-see reception celebrating the Faculty Art Show. Inspired by the theme "The Great Outdoors," the exhibit featured 14 submissions from faculty and staff artists in mixed media, ink, fabric and sculpture.
Members of the Class of 1976, warmly known as the 76ers, marked 50 years with a reunion at The Wildcat Grille hosted by the Rev. Ron Stone. The group shared a meal, sang, reminisced and posed for a photo with Bethel mascot Rowdy.
Hall of Fame welcomes its 45th class
Friday night, the Athletic Hall of Fame & Alumni Banquet in the Board Room of the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment welcomed five new members to the Hall of Fame, four honored for their careers in Bethel athletics and one as a contributor. Alumni caught up over dinner, heard from speakers and enjoyed a performance by Renaissance Resound, part of Bethel's new School of Visual & Performing Arts.
The 2026 inductees are:
- Dr. Karlene Ellis, Women's Soccer (2007)
- Teena Carter Pitts, M.A.Ed., Women's Basketball (2011; M.A.Ed. 2015)
- Larry Geraldi, Baseball (1973); Softball and Golf Coach (13 seasons)
- Deseray Washington Melton, Women's Track & Field (2014)
- Darrell Smith, Contributor (1964)
The group is the 45th class inducted since the Hall of Fame began in 1980, bringing its membership to 124 individuals and six teams.
Friday wrapped up at the Wildcat Bonfire behind the stadium, where Bethel recognized its senior football players and cheerleaders with s'mores, music and the senior band on hand.
Saturday celebrates Wildcat spirit
Homecoming Day began Saturday, Oct. 17, with the Homecoming Parade, as the Student Government Association and campus organizations marched from First Baptist Church past the Red Roof House, Stonewall, Jordan and Bethel Court to Vera Low next to the stadium.
Wildcat Alley then opened on the street adjacent to the stadium with games, food, tailgating and music from the Renaissance Bluegrass Band. Guests browsed local vendors, including the TRAVA Blacksmith Association, the Bow Ties & TuTus Mobile Petting Zoo, Imperfectly Perfect Bakery and RyRo's Lemonade.
At the Catwalk, the Wildcats made their way from Crisp Arena to Walter Butler Stadium ahead of a 1:30 p.m. kickoff against the University of the Cumberlands Patriots.
Tyler Webb was named Homecoming King, and Moriah Lewis was named Homecoming Queen.
From the alumnus to today’s students, the weekend brought Wildcats of every generation back together to reconnect with old friends, make new memories and celebrate what it means to be part of the Bethel family.