24 Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, the athletic department, under the leadership of Athletic Director Jody Martinez, inducted three new members into the Pilot Hall of Fame. These three members receiving tribute for their outstanding athletic achievements include Pablo Rodriguez, Eric Stults, and John Urbanski. Throughout the years, Bethel College has been inducting many of its former athletic stars into its hall of fame to acknowledge the many accomplishments and memories they had while attending Bethel as a student athlete. Including the induction of these three new members, there are currently 52 athletes in the Bethel College Hall of Fame. Although it may sound simple as to what the Athletic Department looks for in expanding its hall of fame, there is a specific list of criteria that they look for in recognizing former athletes. The first thing that is looked at by the Hall of Fame committee is the athletic ability, coaching ability, or meritorious service given to Bethel Athletics. Former athletes must have been out of school for eight years and have attended school for at least two years. In addition, coaches cannot be inducted while coaching. The next category is displaying Christian values. It is very important that all candidates portray a strong moral character in their daily lives. Lastly, only three members can be inducted each year. Pablo Rodriguez was a four letter winner in soccer and was an NCCAA All-American in 1997 and 1998. In addition Rodriguez was also a member of the MCC All-Conference first team in both 1997 and 1998. Following his time at Bethel College, Rodriguez played professionally in Mexico for a few years. Nevertheless, he returned to become the head coach of the Pilots soccer team. While coaching he was named MCC Coach of the Year in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Despite Eric Stults’ terrific career at Bethel as a baseball player, he was also a two year letter winner in the sport of basketball as well. Stults displayed a great deal of ability while playing for the Pilot baseball team and was drafted in the 15th round of the 2002 MLB draft. While at Bethel Stults was named the 2002 NCCAA player of the year and helped the team win an NCCAA National Championship that year. In addition to his outstanding abilities as a hitter, Stults was also a great hitter for the Pilots. Stults left Bethel finishing first in career slugging percentage, first in career home runs, and second in single season doubles. Stults currently pitches for the Colorado Rockies. John Urbanski was also a tremendous baseball player being added into the hall of fame. Urbanski graduated in 1997 and was an NCCAA All-American the last three years of his career. During his senior year, he was also a member of the NAIA second team All-American and was the NCCAA Player of the Year. Following his graduation from Bethel Urbanski played professionally for the Richmond Roosters in the Independent League. Upon graduating from Bethel, he finished first in career wins as a pitcher, first in career strike outs as a pitcher, and first in career innings pitched.
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