Beck steps into prep coaching ranks by joining former mentor

JONESBORO, Ark. -- Former Scott City basketball standout Jon Beck took another step in his coaching career recently when he decided to join Derek McCord's staff at Dyer County High School in Newbern, Tenn.

Beck had been a graduate assistant for three years at Arkansas State, where he played shooting guard for four years.

In addition to being a varsity assistant at Dyer County, Beck will be the head coach of the middle school team. His duties included overseeing equipment, travel coordination, involvement with camps along with other daily operations.

"I learned a lot from coach [Dickey] Nutt and the staff at Arkansas State," Beck said.

He played for McCord at Scott City, where he earned all-state honors. McCord went on to coach at Central before taking the post at Dyer County, which won three games last season.

"It is a rebuilding situation for us," Beck said. "They have only won six games the last two years, so they are hungry to start winning some games."

Beck, who finished his career at Arkansas State in 2003 ranked No. 5 in school history for 3-pointers made with 137, eventually wants to work his way into college coaching.

He believes working alongside McCord at the high school level will be a helpful experience.

"He's been my best friend for years, someone I could talk to whenever I had a problem," Beck said. "It's a good fit for me. He will give me the freedom for me to do what I like, and it's a great fit. He rebuilt the programs at Scott City and Central. He likes the challenge [at Dyer County] and so do I."

Said McCord: "What a thrill to have my former player assisting me. It's so much fun having him here with me. He relates to what we want to do in practice and the way I like to play."

Beck received his bachelor's of science degree in physical education from Arkansas State in 2004 and is nearing completion of a master's degree, which he should obtain in December. He is teaching physical education and health classes at Dyer County, which began the school year in July.