MISHAWAKA – The National Christian College Athletic Association has announced their 2018 Hall of Fame Class and Bethel Track & Field Head Coach Tony Natali earned a nod as a member of the class.

“It is a great honor to be inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame,” stated Natali. “I am very humbled by this honor. This is a reflection of the coaching staff I work with every day and the tremendous student athlete s that have been a part of the program over the years.”

Natali began his tenure at Bethel in 1999 and since then, his indoor and outdoor teams have won a combined 8 NCCAA National Championships. He and his coaching staff have also received the NCCAA Coaching Staff of the Year honor 8 times.

Pilot track & field athletes under his leadership have earned numerous NCCAA honors including the Wheeler Award (7x), All-American recognition (311x), Scholar Athlete Award (118x), and 195 individual NCCAA National Champions.

“Congratulations to Coach Natali on this recognition,” commented Bethel Athletic Director Tom Visker. “Under his leadership, our track program has not only excelled on the track, but also has created a positive, Christian team environment in which they compete.  While this is an honor for Tony, for him it has always been about building a great college track experience for his athletes.”

Natali and fellow inductee Candace Moats will be officially inducted at the NCCAA Hall of Fame banquet on May 31, 2018 during the NCCAA Annual Convention held in Greenville, South Carolina.

The purpose of the NCCAA Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals who have given outstanding leadership and/or service to the NCCAA. Individuals should have high moral character and Christian integrity; presently be making a contribution by serving the Lord and society; and maintain a continued interest in Christian higher education and intercollegiate athletics.

Bethel indoor track and field returns to competition on Friday in the GVSU Open hosted by Grand Valley State in Allendale, Michigan.