The Hub’s 2006 Freedom Award winner in the sports category is one of Kearney’s most recognizable faces, and one of its biggest advocates in the sports world.

“Ever since I was the athletic director (at the University of Nebraska at Kearney), I felt this was a place I could help,” Beechner said. “Just the thought of being a volunteer, and helping to bring all these things here, it makes our city a better place to live.”

Beechner has certainly done his best to make Kearney better.

His volunteer activities include serving at the highest levels of the UNK athletic department to volunteering his time at the state cross country meet and the annual Kearney Junior Golf Classic.

Beechner is a member of the Sports and Recreation Committee of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and played a large role in helping Kearney to land the 2006 Class C1 Boys State Golf Tournament. He is also involved in the TeamMates mentoring program sponsored by Tom and Nancy Osborne.

“He has worked tirelessly to keep Kearney on the minds of sports fans throughout Nebraska,” said Stan and Sharon Wilson, the couple who nominated Beechner. “He is an all-around outstanding volunteer who gives his time unselfishly for the benefit of Kearney sports and the betterment of our city.”

During Beechner’s tenure as UNK’s athletic director from 1987 to 1996, UNK hosted both the NCAA Division II national wrestling and cross country championships. In addition, the university made the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

Beechner is still involved with the university, in his 10th year as coach of the men’s golf team.

If it sounds like a laundry list of activities and accomplishments, that’s because it is. There may not be a better way to cover all that Beechner has been involved in.

And that list only covers what Beechner has done in Kearney. He is also the executive director of the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the treasurer of the Nebraska State Golf Association and serves on the NCAA Division II Golf Committee.

“I guess you could say right now I have lot on my plate. If I was getting paid, I’d be a millionaire,” Beechner quipped.

But Beechner is quick to point out that he doesn’t need to be paid to continue doing what he does. And as any volunteer would say, he doesn’t do it for the recognition.

“I think anyone who is ever honored doesn’t do it for (recognition). Everything I’ve done, it’s been enjoyable,” Beechner said. “If it’s not enjoyable, then you should quit.”

The Lincoln native has lived and coached in Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Pullman, Wash., and Columbia Missouri, but he and his wife, Barb, have called Kearney home for the last 19 years.

“It’s a good place to live,” Beechner said. “We’ve enjoyed everywhere we lived, but the people are good here, and the community is good.”

e-mail to:
chris.basnett@kearneyhub.com