NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Bethel College Director of Athletics Tim Swartzendruber has announced the hiring of Daylon Smith as the next head coach of the Thresher track and field program.

Smith joins Bethel after spending the past two seasons at Bethany College, where he most recently served as Interim Head Track & Field Coach. In that role, he oversaw all aspects of the program, including recruiting, training plans, fundraising, meet travel, budget management and the development of student-athletes across multiple event groups. Prior to being named interim head coach, Smith served as an assistant coach for the Swedes after beginning his collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Southwestern College.

"We are thrilled to add Coach Smith to the Threshers Athletics staff," said Director of Athletics Tim Swartzendruber. "His familiarity with the KCAC plus his enthusiasm and energy will make him a great fit. Coach Smith has shown he is an excellent recruiter. I am excited about the future of our track program."

Smith has quickly established himself as one of the rising young coaches in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Throughout his career, he has coached sprints, hurdles, jumps and middle-distance athletes while building programs through strong recruiting and athlete development.

During his coaching career, Smith has helped produce two NAIA national qualifiers, including one two-time national qualifier, four school record holders, three conference champions, a top-16 national finisher and two athletes who recorded the No. 1 national performance in their respective events. He has also consistently recruited more than 20 student-athletes annually while fostering a positive, competitive team culture.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Smith recently completed a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership from Southwestern College after earning his bachelor's degree in Sports Management with an emphasis in Coaching from Sterling College. His educational background, combined with active certifications through ALTIS Sprints and the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), reflects his commitment to continued professional development and providing the highest level of coaching for his student-athletes.

Smith will assume his duties immediately and begin preparing the Thresher track and field program for the 2026-27 season.
 

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