Tim Beck Introduced as Pitt State Football Coach

PITTSBURG, Kan. (PSU Media Relations) -- In a room filled with alumni, athletes, faculty, students and supporters Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott introduced Tim Beck as the school's 14th head football coach Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 9).

Beck, 45, takes over the helm of his alma mater after serving for 22 years as an assistant coach on the Pitt State football staff.  The Ness City, Kan., native was elevated to the role of acting head coach on Dec. 2, after former head coach and athletic director Chuck Broyles announced his retirement from the coaching post.

Beck served the past 16 seasons as the Gorillas' offensive coordinator, fashioning one of the most prolific offensive units in college football. He also served as the program's Assistant Head Coach for the past two seasons.

"I am very thankful for this opportunity," Beck said, before thanking the school administration, his family, the Pitt State coaching staff, former and current Gorilla players, alumni and PSU students.

"I want everyone here to know that I am very passionate about PSU football," he added. "I believe the formula for success is a very simple one:  hard work.  Every single player and coach on our football team will have great work ethic, and if they don't have it we will help them obtain it.

"I understand that our team will be measured by wins and losses but our goal is this:  improve every day.  Improve as a student, improve as a citizen, improve as a teammate, improve as a family member and improve as a player.  There are still a lot of improvements to be made after a win."

Scott, who vowed a week ago to be expeditious yet deliberate and inclusive in his search for a permanent replacement for Broyles, said he made a list of attributes he sought in the ideal candidate, including:  an individual with an insatiable desire to win; a proven winner from a successful program; an individual with an impeccable moral and ethical record; an individual who understands the expectations of and pressures associated with Gorilla football; a leader who can motivate athletes, coaches, fans and supporters; and a forward thinker who can lead with strength in difficult times.

According to Scott, it became clear in a short period of time that Pitt State had its ideal candidate for the coaching vacancy on its own campus.

"Over the past week, as I visited with current football players, former players, colleagues in the coaching ranks, athletics staff members, fans, boosters, and community members, it became clear that the person who personifies all of these attributes is Assistant Head Coach and now Acting Head Coach Tim Beck," Scott said.

Scott went on to say, "Tim is respected by the Pitt State players, both current and former, PSU's faculty and staff, the school's proud alumni, fans, as well as his fellow coaches on campus and across the country... Tim is a proven winner.  He is the perfect fit to assume the role as the 14th all-time head football coach at Pittsburg State University.  I'm extremely excited for our student athletes, our coaching staff, and our fans.  As you get to know the depth of Tim's commitment to this program and to winning, as you witness the strength of his character, and as you hear about the many new ideas he plans to bring to this role, I am confident you will share my excitement. 

As either a player or a coach at Pitt State, Beck has been associated with 14 conference championship teams, 20 national playoff appearances and four trips to the NCAA Division II national championship game, including the school's 1991 national championship.

Pitt State's storied history is not lost on Beck.

"At all times, we must respect the proud tradition of Pittsburg State University football," Beck said. "The Gorillas have won more football games than any other NCAA Division II school in the nation. Many young men have won the uniforms and coaching gear that we are wearing now and everything we do as a member of the Pittsburg State University football family is a direct reflection on them.  We must understand this, and constantly work to make these men continue to be proud to be associated with Pittsburg State University football.  We must continue to demonstrate the intense pride, loyalty and commitment that these former players have passed down to us."

Beck also was quick to note that a good deal of work lies ahead.

"There are only 262 days left before our first game of the 2010 season, and we have a lot of work to do before then... It's time for us to roll up our sleeves and go to work."