BY JIM MISUNAS
Former Great Bend Panther Cindy (Keeley) Beck has been hired as the new Panther head basketball coach. Beck replaces Carrie Minton, who earned a record of 75-97 during eight seasons. The Panthers finished a 5-16 season with a 66-24 loss to No. 1 ranked McPherson in 5A substate play.
Beck is a 2003 Great Bend graduate who earned all-state 5A honors after averaging 21.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game. Beck played on the 2005 NAIA Division 2 national champion at Washburn University. Washburn defeated Seattle Pacific 70-53 for the NAIA national championship at Hot Springs, Ark. Beck ranked first for 3-point percentage at Washburn during the 2006-2007 season and ranks in the top 10 for career 3-pointers.
Beck has watched the Panther basketball team over the past few years and has been a loyal supporter for Great Bend sports. Her husband, Erin Beck, is head football coach for the Great Bend Panthers.
“I’d been thinking about getting into coaching. I have passion for the game and I’ve been around the game for years,” Beck said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to step up and see what I can do.”
Beck wanted to feel comfortable with how her family would adjust before accepting the position. She works as a teacher at Jefferson Elementary School. Her classroom instruction helps her work with multiple students on a daily basis.
The Panthers return leading scorer Sydney Unruh (9 ppg, 2 apg) along with varsity veterans Taryn Warren (5 ppg, 3 rpg), Ashlyn Harbaugh (2 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Halle Latham (2 ppg) and Candice Smith (4.5 ppg, 5 rpg). The Panthers lacked height with the 5-10 Harbaugh the only player measuring over 5-9.
“We’ve got good, coachable players coming up,” Beck said. “I enjoy the teaching part of the game and the positive impact you have with your players. Seeing players improve in practice is when it’s fun.”
Beck said she’s learned to watch the game and pick up details on what she likes.
“I’m a big fan of the sport of basketball and I watch all types of games,” she said. “It’s never easy as a coach. It’s a challenge developing a good game plan and executing it during a game. I have a lot of pride in Great Bend athletics. We want things to go well.”
