MCKENZIE, Tenn. (December 4, 2007) – The American Football Coaches Association has named Bethel College Head Coach Dino Kaklis Region 1 Coach of the Year for the second straight year. Kaklis led the Wildcats to their best record since football was reinstated in 1993 with an 11-2 mark this season. This year the Wildcats also achieved their highest national ranking at number four.

The AFCA recognizes five regional Coach of the Year winners in each of the Association’s five divisions: Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III and NAIA. The winners are selected by Active members of the Association who vote for coaches in their respective regions and divisions.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected,” said Coach Kaklis. “But, its an honor for our program, our kids and our coaches. I couldn’t have done it without them. It is also a special award because your peers and the people you respect in the business make the decision.”

Coach Kaklis was also named the 2007 Mid-South Conference West Division’s Coach of the Year; the third straight season.

“What makes this award so special is that this is the only coach of the year award voted on exclusively by the coaches themselves,” AFCA Executive Director Grant Teaff said.  “The winners are selected by the coaches they compete with and against on a daily basis.”

Bethel made it to the quarterfinals of the NAIA Football Championship Series this past season and captured the Mid-South Conference West Division Championship, going 5-0.