Nevada Tigers football coach resigns

By Eric Wade

Nevada Daily Mail

Nevada High School administrators are beginning the search for a new head football coach. Wes Beachler has accepted the position as head football coach at Republic High School in the Central Ozarks Conference.

Beachler said his business in Nevada isn't quite finished yet and he will remain on the Nevada High School staff until the end of this school year.

"I will finish out the school year," he said. "My desire is to continue to make the Nevada athletes stronger, more explosive and more athletic so they will see continued success."

At Nevada, Beachler took over a team that was winless in the 2010 season and proceeded to re-instill pride in the Tigers football program from both a school and community standpoint. Beachler led the Tigers to a 6-4 record in 2011 and 8-3 in 2012.

Beachler has become widely known as a turnaround artist. In his previous position, Beachler inherited a Springfield Parkview team that had lost 34 consecutive games. He lost his first 24 games before snapping the losing streak and eventually leading the Vikings to the playoffs in 2010.

The Nevada Tigers squad he inherited before the 2011 season had won just five games in the previous three seasons under his predecessor, Jay Fleeman.

"Wes took over our program during a very difficult time," Nevada High School athletic director Kevin McKinley said. "The program turnaround speaks volumes to his work, not only on the field, but in our community. More importantly, he was an outstanding role model for the young people of Nevada High School, and had the utmost respect from his players, parents and colleagues."

Beachler returns to team up with former Nevada High School principal and current Republic Schools superintendent Chance Wistrom. Wistrom was the principal of Springfield Parkview High School during Beachler's tenure there as head football coach.

"I had the privilege of working under Chance while he was the Nevada principal a few years back. During my 26 years in Nevada, he ranks among the very top echelon of people in education today -- administrator or otherwise," McKinley said. "Wes also worked under Chance while they both were at Springfield Parkview.

"Chance understands athletics and the coaching perspective. In any rebuilding task, that is vital. Chance stood by Wes at Parkview after he started 0-24."

Beachler told the Daily Mail by e-mail that his experience working with Wistrom in the past was a significant factor in his decision, but it wasn't the only thing that led him to take the position at Republic

"There is no one thing. I believe it provides the best opportunities for my family, which comes first," he said. "I have also worked closely with Chance Wistrom in the past and admire the way he operates."

Under Beachler, the Tigers have improved in all aspects, going from a perennial bottom-feeder to a state playoff contender in just two seasons -- all with no conference affiliation. The turnaround he has seen in those two years -- both in on-field performance and off-field attitudes and behaviors -- has made the decision to leave Nevada all the more difficult, Beachler said.

"It has been overwhelming and very emotional. I love these kids, I do; it has been really tough," he said. "If it just came down to the young men I work with I would be in Nevada forever -- they are the best!"

Beachler leaves a program that has featured some of the best players he has ever coached, he said, and many more could be coming up through the lower stages of the Tigers program to take the place of this year's senior class.

Reactions have been mixed to the news of Beachler's departure, but the one thing that has been consistent is the fact that his impact on the Tigers football program and Nevada is undeniable. McKinley's reaction to the decision in particular, was one of mixed emotions.

At first, a mixture of disappointment and sadness, especially for our athletes and parents of football players -- and our fans, too, for that matter. However, I understood why," he said. " I am confident Wes, along with Chance -- former head football coach at Seneca High School -- will have Republic football in a much better position soon."

Beachler said his departure is bittersweet since he will move on to work with Wistrom again, but will be leaving behind a "great community" that has left a lasting impression on him and members of his family.

"The support here has been tremendous. I cannot even begin to put it into words," Beachler concluded. "This is a great community that really supports their school. Great people who we will miss."