In his 25th year directing the Pilot program, head coach Mike Lightfoot has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments, including more wins than all previous Bethel coaches combined (654 to 441), three NAIA DII national championships (more than any coach in NAIA DII history), four NCCAA national championships, ten Mid-Central College Conference regular season and six MCC tournament championships (more than any coach in MCC history), five National Coach of the Year and six MCC Coach of the Year awards.
These accomplishments, however, are not what makes Lightfoot one of the best coaches in the game, but rather it is his insatiable desire to accomplish more.
Owning of a career record of 643-231, it's easy to see that Lightfoot knows how to win, but he also knows how to win the right way. In his 24 years at the helm of the Bethel program, 98.7 percent of his players who completed their eligibility also completed their degree. In the last five years, 17 Pilots have received undergraduate degrees, including seven in the past two season.
Lightfoot is the quickest collegiate coach at any level to 300, 400, 500, and 600 career wins. He accomplished those feats in 10, 13, 18, and 22 seasons, respectively. He is also tied for the quickest to 100 and 200 career wins, accomplishing those in 4 and 8 seasons, respectively.
He ranks tenth most among active NAIA coaches (third among DII coaches) in total wins, and second most among active NAIA coaches with at least 500 wins (first among DII coaches) in winning percentage.
In his 24 years, Lightfoot has amassed twenty 20-win seasons, fifteen 25-win seasons, ten 30-win seasons, and three 35-win seasons.
In the NAIA national tournament, Lightfoot is at his best, winning at a clip of .812 (26-6) to rank second among coaches in DII history with at least 10 tournament games coached. His 26 wins at the national tournament also rank second among coaches in DII history.
Lightfoot has never made it short of the Sweet Sixteen in any nine of his appearances. His nine Sweet Sixteen appearances ranks third, while his six Elite Eights ranks second among coaches in DII history. Lightfoot has reached the DII Fab Four five times, advancing to the championship game all but once, ranking most among DII coaches in history.
Lightfoot has won three NAIA DII national championships in 1995, 1997, 1998 (most among DII coaches in history), and is the only coach to win back-to-back titles and appear in back-to-back-to-back championship games in DII history. During that stretch, Lightfoot won fourteen consecutive games, to rank the most in DII history.
Lightfoot's teams hold records at the DII national tournament for points in a tournament (the top four records), field goals in a tournament (the top three records), rebounds in a tournament (the top two records), most 100-point games, most combined points in a game, and most points in a game.
Through 24 seasons, Lightfoot is one of the most successful coaches in MCC history. He is the fourth-longest tenured coach in conference history, ranking behind Marian's John Grimes (35 seasons), Grace's Jim Kessler (34), and Taylor's Paul Patterson (33 seasons).
LIGHTFOOT (BY THE YEARS)
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YEAR OVERALL PCT. MCC PCT. FINISH POSTSEASON |
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1987-88 25-11 6.94 6-4 .600 2nd NCCAA First Round |
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1988-89 30-9 .796 7-3 .700 2nd NCCAA Second Round |
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1989-90 30-7 .811 9-1 .900 1st NCCAA Second Round |
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1990-91 24-11 .686 8-2 .800 1st NCCAA First Round |
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1991-92 29-10 .744 8-2 .800 2nd NCCAA Champion |
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1992-93 30-9 .769 6-4 .600 2nd NCCAA Champion |
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1993-94 29-6 .828 8-2 .800 1st NAIA Sweet 16 |
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1994-95 38-2 .950 13-1 .929 1st NAIA Champion |
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1995-96 35-2 .946 14-0 1.000 1st NAIA Sweet 16 |
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1996-97 34-5 .872 12-2 .857 1st NAIA Champion |
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1997-98 37-3 .925 14-0 1.000 1st NAIA Champion |
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1998-99 34-6 .850 11-3 .786 1st NAIA Runner-Up |
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1999-00 30-8 .789 9-5 .623 3rd NCCAA Champion |
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2000-01 20-13 .606 8-6 .571 3rd None |
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2001-02 18-16 .529 6-8 .429 5th NCCAA Regional |
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2002-03 23-14 .622 8-6 .571 5th NCCAA Second Round |
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2003-04 24-13 .622 7-7 .500 5th NCCAA Second Round |
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2004-05 19-15 .558 7-9 .438 8th NCCAA Runner-Up |
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2005-06 10-20 .333 1-15 .063 9th None |
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2006-07 21-15 .583 6-10 .375 5th NCCAA Champion |
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2007-08 29-7 .806 12-4 .750 1st NAIA Elite 8 |
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2008-09 33-4 .892 13-3 .813 1st NAIA Fab 4 |
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2009-10 28-7 .800 12-4 .750 2nd NAIA Sweet 16 |
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20010-11 13-16 .448 4-12 .250 8th None |
24 YEARS 643-231 .737 209-113 .649
BETHEL CAREER WINS LIST
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COACH OVERALL PCT. MCC PCT. SEASONS |
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Mike Lightfoot 630-213 .746 209-113 .649 1987-pr (24) |
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Homer Drew 252-110 .696 28-20 .583 1976-1987 (11) |
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Tom Firestone 76-63 .547 -- -- 1971-1976 (5) |
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Dick Felix 53-59 .473 -- -- 1967-1971 (4) |
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Bob Long 28-33 .459 -- -- 1959-1963 (4) |
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Don Granitz 23-22 .511 -- -- 1965-1967 (2) |
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Gary Fry 8-26 .235 -- -- 1963-1964 (2) |
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Al Beutler 1-4 .200 -- -- 1958-1959 (1) |
*Coach Lightfoot reached 252 career wins in only 318 games, 44 games sooner than Coach Homer Drew reached his plateau (in 362 games).
THE LIGHTFOOT FILE (BY THE NUMBERS)
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654 |
Coaching victories in 24 seasons at Bethel. Lightfoot's overall collegiate record is 654-230 (74%) |
|
71 |
All-Americans |
|
54 |
In-season tournament championships in 24 years |
|
50 |
National tournament wins. Bethel is 50-15 in national championship tournament appearances (83%) under Lightfoot. |
|
47 |
Former players coaching |
|
20 |
20 win seasons |
|
15 |
25 win seasons |
|
10 |
30 win seasons |
|
3 |
35 win seasons |
|
10 |
Mid-Central College Conference Championships (1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2007, 2008) |
|
10 |
Former Bethel players who have went on to play professionally |
|
7 |
National Championships (NAIA 1995, 1997, 1998; NCCAA 1992, 1993, 2000, 2007) |
|
6 |
National Coach of the Year Awards |
|
2 |
National Runners-up (NAIA 1999; NCCAA 2005 |
|
4 |
Hall of Fames (NAIA 2009; Marian High School 2009; NCCAA 2001; Bethel College 1994) |
|
9 |
Missions trips led to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Alaska and Ecuador |
The Lightfoot File (Off the Court)
Wife: Jacci, married for 33 years
Sons: Robbie (28), Ryne (25)
Birth date: May 10, 1956
Birthplace: North Liberty, Ind
High School: LaVille, 1974
Education: Bethel College, 1978
Degrees: B.S. Secondary Education, M.A. Education
What the Experts Say on Mike Lightfoot
Mike Krzyzewski-Duke University"I am very aware of what Bethel basketball has done over the years and its great accomplishments. Mike Lightfoot produces great players and great people."
Tubby Smith-University of Minnesota"I am always impressed with Bethel basketball and what Mike Lightfoot does. He's an NAIA Hall of Famer and it is a well deserved honor. I played in the NAIA as a student-athlete and have enjoyed what Bethel continues to do in men's basketball."
Tom Izzo-Michigan State University"What a tradition Bethel has! Wiekamp is a beautiful place to play and Bethel is a beautiful campus for a student to attend. This truly is a quality program and school."
Tom Crean-Indiana University"I remember coaching against Mike during my time at Alma College. Coach Lightfoot always runs a nice program with such great tradition."
Mike Brey-University of Notre Dame"Mike Lightfoot has done a wonderful job at Bethel College. His successes both on and off the court is something we all strive for as coaches. He is one of the best coaches at any level."
Steve Alford-University of New Mexico"Having coached against Bethel they always play aggressive defense and up tempo. Their success on and off the court is hard to match. Coach Lightfoot's teams are always fun to watch.
Scott Drew-Baylor University "When I think of Bethel basketball I think of a dynasty. Coach Lightfoot's squad is always tough and you better be prepared for a battle or you'll get beat."
Homer Drew-Valparaiso University "Mike has taken the Bethel program to the highest level. I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments and continue to hold a special place in my heart for Bethel College and the men's basketball program."
Justin Masterson-Cleveland Indians"Coach Lightfoot has built a program in it's truest sense; Which not only entails the players, but everyone supporting. I am proud to be a part of that supporting cast, that though my forte was baseball, my passion came with every basketball game. Though the seasons change…Coach Lightfoot's passion is always there! A small program with a BIG league atmosphere. That's Bethel College basketball!"
100th CAREER WIN
Bethel 80 Marian 73 - January 26, 1991
Behind Bob Knebel's 22 points and Dave Troyer's 18 points and 10 rebounds, the Pilots rallied from a 15 point deficit in the second half to post the win. Kevin Lorton added 14 and Ron Chrobot 13 for Bethel, which ran its record to 15-6 en route to its second straight MCC crown.
200th CAREER WIN
Bethel 105 IU South Bend 60 - November 15, 1994 This was the first home game of a magical 38-2 season that resulted in the Pilots' first NAIA title. Von Gilbert started things off with a pair of dunks. All 14 Pilots that played scored, led by Gilbert's 22. Mark Galloway added 17, Jody Goralski and Mike McBride scored 11 points each.
253rd CAREER WIN
Bethel 109 Goshen 66 - January 13, 1996
Ryan Taylor's 19 points and David Haverstick's 18 propelled the No. 2-ranked Pilots past host Goshen. The Pilots bench chipped in 52 points. The 109-66 win gave Coach Lightfoot 253 career wins and made him the winningest coach in Bethel history, breaking Homer Drew's school record of 252 victories.
300th CAREER WIN
Bethel 123 Green Mountain 75 - March 12, 1997
The record-setting win in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament was the Pilots' initial step for Bethel's second NAIA National Championship. The Pilots flew to a 73-41 halftime lead and never looked back in the NAIA National Tournament record 48 point win.
100th CAREER MCC WIN
Bethel 89 Saint Francis 75 - February 3, 1998
The NAIA Division II top-ranked men's basketball team won its 19th consecutive game. Led by Rico Swanson and Eric Brand's 22 points apiece, the Pilots improved their overall record to 24-2 and remained undefeated in MCC action at 9-0. Ahead just five points with five minutes remaining, a Swanson steal and layup iced what was a close game for the Pilots.
400th CAREER WIN
Bethel 84 Indiana Wesleyan 69 - February 19, 2000
Before the Pilots' final home game of the regular season, seniors Eric Brand, David Haverstick, and Barak Coolman were recognized. Brand tallied 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while Haverstick added 25 points and 14 boards of his own. The Pilots went on to win the NCCAA Regional and NCCAA National Championship, their sixth title in nine years.
500th CAREER WIN
Bethel 109 Madonna 75 - December 10, 2004
The Pilots' tenth win of their NCCAA national runner-up season came in convincing fashion at the Gates Gymnasium against the Madonna Crusaders. The Pilots held onto a 54-30 advantage at halftime, rolling to the 34 point victory. Fourteen Pilots scored, including all five starters reaching double figures, led by Adam Schaper's 16 points and 9 rebounds.
600th CAREER WIN
Bethel 86 Johnson & Wales 58 - March 11, 2009
The Pilots shot 57% from the floor, including 62% in the second half. Bethel used its size, outscoring Johnson & Wales 48-18 in the paint and outrebounded the Wildcats 43-28. All-American William Walker, the MCC Player of the Year, registered the double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Wes Laidig netted a game-high 21 points on 9-of-12 from the floor.
200th CAREER MCC WIN
Bethel 79 Indiana Wesleyan 72 - January 26, 2010
In a matchup of two NAIA Division II top ten teams, the trio of Ryne Lightfoot, Caleb Laidig, and Wes Laidig tallied 17 points apiece to lead the #9 Pilots past the #7 Wildcats. Joey Welch chipped in with a double double of his own with 12 points and 12 rebounds. A pair of Welch free throws with under a minute to play sealed the victory.
Coach Tony Natali, who also serves as the assistant athletic director and head track coach at Bethel, enters his fourteenth season with the Pilots basketball program. The Purdue graduate also has been a Division I assistant at Bowling Green University. He has also served at the University of Indianapolis, Franklin College and Marian College.
Coach Natali plays a vital role for the men's basketball team both on and off the hardwood. Off the court he is heavily involved in scouting and recruiting. On the floor he takes emphasis to the defensive end of the floor.
Coach Natali also schedules the transportation arrangements and hotel accommodations for the Pilots. The men's basketball team has traveled to the Bahamas, Alaska, Georgia, California and this year to Palm Beach, Florida. His arrangements give the players an opportunity to see and visit many places they might not otherwise have the possibility of visiting such as a tour of American Airlines Areana which is home to the NBA's Miami Heat.
"I feel that seeing and visiting other places for our players adds to the academic experience. It also builds team unity as we travel," says Coach Natali. "Not only does the team chemistry grow, but Bethel has played in some of the greatest college tournaments in the country."
He also works closely with the academic success of the Pilot players. The rich educational tradition also has produced even more academic All-Americans.
Coach Natali might be a great trivia question for the coaching archives. He has been a part of coaching staffs that have been in the NIT, NCAA, NAIA and NCCAA national finals. It would be hard to find anyone else in the country who can boast of that.
Coach Natali's love for basketball is only matched by his love for mentoring the players at Bethel. He cares about them as people, and the players know it. "I really appreciate all the opportunities Coach Lightfoot has given me in the past 13 seasons as a part of his staff. It has been a great experience to coach at such a high level of a program that has so many classy people involved in every aspect."
Tony and his wife Andrea have been married for 27 years and have two daughters: Cassie (20) who is a junior at Bethel and Hannah (16) a junior at Mishawaka High School.
Ryne Lightfoot is the newest member of the Bethel College coaching staff after a one year hiatus from the his alma mater where he graduated with a sports management degree.
As a 6'3 215 pound point guard, Ryne was a highly touted coming out of high school receiving interest from Butler, Valparaiso and Purdue as well as receiving NCAA Division-I scholarship offers from St. Johns and North Carolina State.
With terrific opportunities to play D-I basketball it was no question that NorthWood High School's all-time leading scorer would have a difficult decision.
"I wanted to be at a place that challenged me on three specific levels: academically, athletically and spiritually. After much prayer and some very wise council on all of my campus visits, it was Bethel that was the best fit," stated Lightfoot.
Upon graduating from Bethel, Ryne finished his collegiate career with 2,075 points (10th all time), 702 assists (5th all time) and 500 rebounds (34th all time). Ryne and two-time NAIA Player of the Year Rico Swanson (98) are the only two Pilot players to finish their careers with over 2,000 points, 700 assists and 500 rebounds.
"I've been very blessed with the opportunity to play with some amazing players," said Ryne. "Not only were they teammates, but they are life-long friends. It will be exciting to take on a coaching responsibility and help this program in a new way."
Head coach Mike Lightfoot stated, "Ryne has always been such a valuable asset to this program. He'll be an outstanding addition to our staff as he understands the game and what this program represents as he's chosen to follow his passion in coaching.
In addition to the core coaching responsibilities involved with the position, Ryne will be in charge of recruiting, strength and conditioning, player development and film exchange. The former two-time NAIA Scholar Athlete will also assist in ensuring his players' success in the classroom.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of the program and work alongside my father," said Ryne. "I know I will continue to learn from this staff as I pursue my passion."
In addition, Ryne will also be pursuing his master's degree in organizational leadership at Bethel.
Ryne is married to Justine Lightfoot and the couple reside in Mishawaka, Ind.
