Bethany Lutheran College Athletics

Originally from Saude, Iowa, Natvig served various roles at Bethany including registrar, principal of the high school, and teacher of Latin and Math. Natvig is responsible for creating the intercollegiate athletic program at Bethany in 1928. Early teams included both high school and college students.

Natvig was also responsible for bringing Bethany into membership in the SMJCC (Southern Minnesota Junior College Conference). Natvig coached Bethany’s baseball team from 1928-44.
His 1939 baseball team earned the first-ever SMJCC title for the college. He was also the basketball coach from 1928-35 and from 1937-44.

Natvig died March 13, 1971, from heart failure in Mankato, Minnesota.