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A MEMORABLE SEASON
By Jason Peake
Daily Mail Sports Editor
Years from now, when Wes Beachler reflects on his first season as head football coach at Nevada High School, it's safe to say he'll probably smile.
"I probably enjoyed this season as much as any season I've ever had," Beachler said this week. "And I've had some good seasons in 20 years."
The Tigers finished the 2011 season last week with a loss at Holden.
In Beachler's first season at the helm, Nevada went 6-4 overall and got things turned around.
The program Beachler inherited carried a 15-game losing streak and had gone 0-10 in 2010.
After some early growing pains, the Tigers got on a roll.
The team won five-straight and brought some excitement back to Logan Field.
Beachler said the players accepted his new system and methods, and eventually, saw their hard work translate into success.
"How quickly the kids bought in and did the things I wanted them to do was memorable," Beachler said. "The kids were unselfish. They just wanted to do what was best for the team and they wanted to win ballgames. They didn't care who got the credit. It's been an enjoyable season. The highlight for me was seeing the seniors be willing to buy into a new system."
Beachler added the assistant coaches on the team -- Don Epps, Jamie Alexander, Neil Barnes, Luke Clark, Robert Miner, Josh Smith -- played a big role, as well.
"I didn't expect everything to go this smoothly," Beachler said. "The coaching staff was great. Coach (Don) Epps came in with me, but the other guys were here before. And their willingness to buy into my way of doing things was great."
(William Willy was a volunteer assistant this season).
Beachler acknowledged the community support was great, too.
"I appreciate all the players, the coaches and the community for being open to the Wes Beachler program style of things."
After early-season losses to Warrensburg and Seneca, Nevada rolled off five-straight victories, beating East Newton, Springfield Central, El Dorado Springs, William Chrisman, and McDonald County.
The Tigers then dropped the first district game to eventual champ Pleasant Hill, but knocked off Clinton in the home finale.
A road loss to Holden kept the Tigers out of the playoffs, but the team finished with a winning record of 6-4.
When Beachler left Springfield Parkview to come to Nevada, he said he wanted to turn the program around.
So has that been accomplished yet?
"Well, we still have some work to do," Beachler said. "We still have some things to overcome here. We can still get better. Are we going in the right direction? Absolutely. Are we where we want to be yet? No."
Beachler thought about the 2011 season a little more, and then added one final point.
"In 20 seasons of coaching, this year was one of the most enjoyable that I've ever had."