Coach K Pens Memoir of the “Kessinger Years”

December 16, 2021

Coach K’s emails to his players always end with “HUG YOUR LOVED ONES! TAKE THE LORD WITH YOU!” His signature “all caps” style represents much of his coaching philosophy: keep your priorities—faith, family, and character. He writes in all caps, for he wishes his messages to convey the passion of his intent---football contains life lessons we all need to heed. His passion for his job throughout his coaching tenure (1976-2003) at Bethany College is legendary. His accolades are many: 11-time conference coach of the year; 4-time NAIA District Coach of the Year; 10 playoff appearances and in his final season; a State of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame induction and the National College Football Hall of Fame honoree. He is also a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame and the KCAC Champions of Character award is named in his honor. During his tenure, Ted Kessinger was the “winningest active coach in both percentage and total wins.”  Even with all of this success, it is often a magical quality of Coach K that continues to bring his players back to his door. His ability to touch lives, inspire players, and win games is well known; however, it is his ability to always place people first that makes him memorable. Coach K remains in contact with many of his players today.


Coach K’s philosophy of recruiting young men from all walks and backgrounds and transforming them into young men of character fits well within the perspective of Bethany College. His memoir is a litany of individuals who are the bedrock of Bethany College culture, but Coach K has never been a man to celebrate his own accolades. “Good guys do finish first” if you note Ted. Coach K’s 28-year reign was so much more than successful seasons, championships, and awards. It is a patchwork of stories and experiences woven together with faith and character. His memoir is a collection of events, battles, and anecdotes, but more than that, it is a reflection of the man himself. 


“I made a recruiting trip to a high school where one of my former players was coaching. I stopped by his classroom to say hello and asked him how he was doing. I remember to this day his response: ‘Coach I am really hurting’, and that did it for me. I went home and read the Christian book Purpose Driven Life and decided that I needed to stay in touch with my players, and be available.” (pg. 85)



In retirement, Coach K walks his dog Victory daily, lives life with his wife Nancy to the fullest, celebrates joy with his family, and supports Bethany College. Blue and gold still runs through his veins, and he continues his work for Bethany College. You can expect to see Ted on campus as he rallies support for campaigns, hear from him as he pens a note of concern, or see him as he appears on a sports Zoom on behalf of Bethany College. His memoir, a gathering of stories of Ted’s journey from athlete to coach to Bethany icon was completed earlier this year. It is available for purchase here→ 


Ted also continues to share inspiration with his players and contacts. If you wish to be included in his email list or to update your email contact, please reach out to Coach K by emailing him at the following: kessingerted@gmail.com. If you pass him on a walk or at an event, he will share a wry smile and a joke. His communications online will continue to share “HUG YOUR LOVED ONES! TAKE THE LORD WITH YOU!” If you wish to define influence, the “Kessinger Years” continue today. #BethanyBlessed


March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
March 25, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 25, 2025 — Bethany Backers has achieved its most successful fundraising effort to date, raising more than $72,000—more than double any previous year’s total. Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, these funds will directly enhance the student experience at Bethany College. Each year, Bethany Backers selects a project based on student suggestions, with donations traditionally starting at $50. A portion of the funds raised also supports student scholarships. Past projects have included creating a mock courtroom for criminal justice students, adding additional seating in campus greenspaces, and purchasing games for common areas. The first project funded by this record-breaking total will be the purchase of new cardio equipment for the college’s fitness center, providing students with upgraded resources to support their health and wellness. Additionally, because of the unprecedented amount raised, Bethany Backers will be able to complete a second project, which will be determined through a vote among this year’s donors. “On behalf of the Bethany College Alumni Association, I want to extend my enthusiastic gratitude to every Bethany Backer who contributed to the 2025 “Swedes Around The World” campaign,” said Olivia Peterson, President of the Bethany College Alumni Association and a 2013 graduate. “This year marked our most ambitious project yet, and our alumni and friends exceeded our goals! Not only will this effort provide upgraded training tools for our student-athletes but, most importantly, it will encourage and motivate all students to move their bodies!” Peterson continued, “I especially want to thank Kelly and Alan Clayton for the generous $10,000 matching grant opportunity and Angie Gaeddert for her wonderful $25,000 gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Wade Gaeddert. Their generosity inspired others to give and helped us fund the project in full. I am humbled by the collective spirit and commitment of our community. Bethany has shaped us all—and now, we’re ensuring that future generations of Swedes have access to the same transformative experiences. The future is bright, friends! Tusen täck!” The goal is to have both projects ready to launch when students return to campus this fall. Bethany Backers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, making this milestone achievement possible. For more information about Alumni projects and how to get involved, visit bethanylb.edu/alumni Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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