HOMETOWN HERO: SCOTT CITY FOLLOWS BECK TO BALLGAME

If you happened to be traveling south of Cape Girardeau on I-55 Saturday evening you might have had the feeling everyone else knew something you didn't considering all the cars headed north. Many of those travelers were from Scott City, and they did know something -- John Beck was playing basketball at the Show Me Center.

Beck, a 1999 graduate of Scott City High School, put the town on the map when he signed to play with Arkansas State University at Jonesboro, a Division I school.

"Playing college basketball has been John's dream since he was in the sixth grade," said his mother, Tammy Beck. "He works very hard and we're very proud of him."

Playing so close to home was a welcome treat for his parents. "We've been to every one of his home Arkansas games," said his mother. But that's about the only time she's been able to see her son.

His college schedule keeps him away from home most of the time. "We're not even sure he'll be home for Christmas," she added.

Beck isn't a starter yet, but that doesn't matter to Scott City fans. "We're here to support him whether he sits the bench or plays," said Larry Dees. Dees was sure Arkansas's coach would quickly get the idea that the fans would like to see Beck on the floor though.

Beck's followers are quite proud of the likable young man. "He was good for Scott City," said Dees. "Everything he did was positive. He's just a good kid and we're proud of him."

For Beck, being so close to home was great. "We got to go to the mall Saturday afternoon," he said. "I went to buy some lemonade and there were four Scott City kids working."

At every turn it seemed as if he was running into someone he knew. "People were yelling, there's John Beck and hey, John. It was kind of embarrassing, but nice," he said.

College ball is everything he thought it would be and more. "I really like flying to the games," he said. The travel might get old after awhile to some people, but not for Beck. "As long as I know I'll get to play ball when I get there, it's okay," said Beck.

Rick Diebold is an admitted sports fanatic who spent Saturday afternoon keeping one eye on a football game on television while keeping the other on the clock waiting for time to leave to see Beck play. Earlier in the week, Diebold's father had been able to secure some of the last court side tickets available.

"We'll be right across from the Southeast Missouri bench," he said. Diebold is a staunch supporter of Scott City athletics and has been a Beck fan for a number of years. "People really took notice of Beck during his sophomore year," he said. "He had a really good showing in the Christmas tournament and things just went crazy after that," said Diebold.

Many in attendance Saturday had never been to a college basketball game. A business associate of Diebold's came from East Prairie just to see Beck play. Craig Lynn, of Ft. Myers, Fla., happened to be visiting relatives in the area. "I've heard so much about the kid, I've got to see him play," he said.

Although Diebold has been following Beck's career, Saturday was the first time he had to opportunity to see him play for Arkansas. "We hope to be able to go to one of the Arkansas State home games," he said.

Aaron Simmers, a Scott City High School student, attended Saturday's game mainly to see Beck. "Everybody I know planned on going to the game," he said.

Cheering at the game was a little difficult for local fans. "Of course we want to see Southeast win," said Diebold, "but we have to cheer for John."

Beck is very appreciative of his fans and works hard not only for his team, but for them as well. "We wondered if he was big enough to play college ball," said Diebold. "He's proved we didn't have anything to worry about."

Beck did his best to keep the three-point board filled while at Scott City. His first three-pointer of Saturday's game brought a familiar roar from the crowd. Having traded in his number 34 high school jersey, he now sports, appropriately enough -- number 3.

A group of young fans were enjoying the game but also eager for it to end. They each had programs from Arkansas and Beck had arranged to have the team sign them.