TOP LOCAL SPORTS STORY OF 2011: Nevada football turns it around under new coach
By Jason Peake
Daily Mail Sports Editor
When Wes Beachler accepted the position of head football coach at Nevada High School, the program wasn't exactly on top of the world.
Beachler inherited a program that began the 2011 season with a 15-game losing streak.
But in Beachler's first season at the helm, Nevada went 6-4 overall and got things turned around in a big way. A six-win campaign came after an 0-10 season in 2010.
The football program's big leap forward is the Nevada Daily-Mail's top local sports story of 2011.
"How quickly the kids bought in and did the things I wanted them to do was memorable," Beachler said after the season ended. "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 was an enjoyable season. The highlight for me was seeing the seniors be willing to buy into a new system."
After dropping the first two games of the season vs. Warrensburg and Seneca, Nevada got going in the right direction, and got on a big roll.
The Tigers won five-straight games (East Newton, Springfield Central, El Dorado Springs, William Chrisman, and McDonald County) and brought a lot of excitement back to the program. Logan Field was the place to be on Friday nights when the Tigers were at home.
The Tigers dropped the first district game to 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.
And despite missing the playoffs with a season-ending loss at Holden, the Tigers came a long way in a short amount of time. The numbers don't lie -- from zero wins one year to six the next is something to be proud of.
After the loss to Holden, NHS senior linebacker Bubba Banes said the season was a special for one for all involved.
"Going from 0-10 to coming back and winning this many games, and winning five-straight this year, that's something that will always stay in my mind," Banes said.
On that night in Holden, Banes added he and his teammates will never forget how the team turned things around this year.
"It took two men, Coach Beachler and Coach (Don) Epps, to come in and get it done," Banes said. "They did an amazing job with this team. It was an amazing year for us."
Beachler would agree with that statement.
"I'm really proud of the kids," he said. "They did a great job this year."
Eight Nevada players were named to the all-district team after the season -- Sam Ellifrits, Colton Trotter, Johnathan Klingaman, Banes, Cole Sanderson, Tyler Whitworth, Lucas Denman and Bradey Denney. Six of those eight all-district performers will return next season, too.
A junior lineman, Ellifrits was named second team all-state in Class 3.
Beachler acknowledged the community support was great, too. It was clear there was more excitement for the program throughout the area.
"I appreciate all the players, the coaches and the community for being open to the Wes Beachler style of things," Beachler said. "In 20 seasons of coaching, this year was one of the most enjoyable that I've ever had."
It was enjoyable for all those who watched it, too.
And let's hope that 2012 provides many more great local sports memories.