2008 Woodie Awards
BREAKING NEWS: Asst. track and field coach let go by university
Josh McCarty
Issue date: 7/9/08 Section: Sports
Two months after being named national assistant coach of the year, SIUE assistant track and field coach Ben Beyers has been let go by the university.
On Thursday, Beyers confirmed the university's decision to move in another direction.
Beyers said with the program going Division I, they needed more full-time coaches, and he is part-time.
"I don't really have a problem with that," Beyers said. "The only concern I obviously had is this decision was thought of back in January, and I was told I would be back. In the middle of March, (head track and field coach) Dave Astrauskas told me he would definitely have me back."
Beyers said Astrauskas was not only dishonest with him but also with the athletes.
"He assured an athlete and her father that I would be here next year so she would sign her scholarship papers," Beyers said. "I thought Dave was more professional than that. He proved me wrong."
Sophomore sprinter Amber Triner waited until the last minute to turn in her paperwork. She said she wanted to know what the future held for Beyers.
"Coach David Astrauskas assured me that (Beyers) would be back, so I turned in my paperwork," Triner said. "I guess they've known about it for a while. I was lied to, and he has my paperwork."
Astrauskas declined to comment on the situation.
Athletic Director Brad Hewitt was unavailable for comment as of Thursday afternoon.
Beyers is a popular figure among athletes on the team. Triner said he was like a member of her family.
"He talked to you as a friend, not an athlete," Triner said. "He made sure school came first, not athletics. If you needed help with something, he was there. He coached us (on) how to be a better person."
The timing of the decision comes a little over a month before the beginning of fall semester, giving the student-athletes little time to react.
"At this point I'm definitely looking at my options," Triner said. "I personally don't want to be on a team with people I can't trust."
On Thursday, Beyers confirmed the university's decision to move in another direction.
Beyers said with the program going Division I, they needed more full-time coaches, and he is part-time.
"I don't really have a problem with that," Beyers said. "The only concern I obviously had is this decision was thought of back in January, and I was told I would be back. In the middle of March, (head track and field coach) Dave Astrauskas told me he would definitely have me back."
Beyers said Astrauskas was not only dishonest with him but also with the athletes.
"He assured an athlete and her father that I would be here next year so she would sign her scholarship papers," Beyers said. "I thought Dave was more professional than that. He proved me wrong."
Sophomore sprinter Amber Triner waited until the last minute to turn in her paperwork. She said she wanted to know what the future held for Beyers.
"Coach David Astrauskas assured me that (Beyers) would be back, so I turned in my paperwork," Triner said. "I guess they've known about it for a while. I was lied to, and he has my paperwork."
Astrauskas declined to comment on the situation.
Athletic Director Brad Hewitt was unavailable for comment as of Thursday afternoon.
Beyers is a popular figure among athletes on the team. Triner said he was like a member of her family.
"He talked to you as a friend, not an athlete," Triner said. "He made sure school came first, not athletics. If you needed help with something, he was there. He coached us (on) how to be a better person."
The timing of the decision comes a little over a month before the beginning of fall semester, giving the student-athletes little time to react.
"At this point I'm definitely looking at my options," Triner said. "I personally don't want to be on a team with people I can't trust."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 17
Derek Bright
posted 7/10/08 @ 10:35 PM CST
What has happened to my beloved university and athletic program? We have the best season ever for Track and Field, numberous athletes at the Olympic Trials and then they fire the assistant coach because they want a full time coach? We just lost how many millions of dollars from wrestling donors and the wrestling coach as well, now we're losing another national caliber coach as the university transitions to Div I. (Continued…)
Former SIUE Track Athlete
posted 7/11/08 @ 8:17 AM CST
This whole situation from what I know is a tragedy, I've worked with Coach Beyers in the past and know that he is the ONLY reason the team has such success in the past, and has done great recruiting. (Continued…)
Concerned Fan
posted 7/11/08 @ 12:55 PM CST
It's sad to see SIUE Athletics take such a dramatic turn for the worse. I have followed the exploits of the track team for quite some time, and have even spoken to members of the track team, who always accredited their successes to their "great coaching". (Continued…)
SIUE Student
posted 7/11/08 @ 3:32 PM CST
Last time I checked it was Coach Beyers who is the reason the track team is the track team that people have come to know. Not just locally but on a national level. (Continued…)
SIUE athlete
posted 7/12/08 @ 11:25 AM CST
wow! this is such a big mess! I cannot believe we have Coaches (dave) that stoop so low and our making the track and field environment so hostile. this decision will back FIRE anf it is sad because the athletes will suffer. (Continued…)
Track and Field Alum
posted 7/15/08 @ 4:35 PM CST
I have heard of some rather ridiculous situations at SIUE, but this one takes the cake. I used to be so proud of the accomplishments of the track and field team, but this disgusts me. (Continued…)
SIUE ALUMNUS
posted 7/15/08 @ 5:06 PM CST
WHAT IN BLAZES SADDLE IS HAPPENING TO MY OBSESSION? WE LOSE THE BEST BASKETBALL COACH, AN ASTUTE WOMAN's SOCCER COACH, and now the assistant woman's soccer coach. (Continued…)
SIUE... Not anymore... Back to SIU Who??
posted 7/15/08 @ 8:32 PM CST
Guys I agree with you all in saying that this is the worst decision made by the athletic department. I wear my SIUE gear here proud b/c of all of our accomplishments in a short period of time. (Continued…)
mpres18
Marc
posted 7/16/08 @ 1:21 PM CST
I agree with all of the other posts 100%. i signed to run at SIUE this year for one reason and one reason only. Because i knew what great of a coach Beyers was. (Continued…)
KWykoff
Track Athlete
posted 7/20/08 @ 6:03 PM CST
Astrauskus is a fantastic coach and a great person. Coach A would never lie to someone like that...He is a terrific coach and deserves nothing less than to be respected by his athletes. (Continued…)
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