The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 3
Ray Bechard, new Kansas volleyball coach, gives his former team some advice during a game. Bechard coached volleyball and was the women's basketball assistant coach at Barton County Community College in Great Bend. Bechard helped his volleyball team to a record of 716-60 during his 13 years with the team. Contributed Photo
Volleyball coach scores position
Accident leads to collegiate coaching
By Melinda Weaver
Kansan staff writer
Becoming a volleyball coach might have been an accident, but first year KU coach Ray Bechard hopes to turn it into a success.
Bechard was born and raised in the small northwestern Kansas town of Grinnell, recognized only because it lies right off Interstate 70 on the way to Denver.
After graduating from high school, Bechard spent two years at Barton County Community College in Great Bend on his way to earning a degree in Health and Physical Education with a minor in journalism at Fort Hays State University.
"I was young and dumb." Bechard said. "I was hesitant to take the job, but I said I'd give it a shot."
He said that he got a little hooked. In fact, in his three years at Lewis, the volleyball team had more success than the basketball team.
"I think volleyball is a great way for "I female athletes to express themselves
physically." Bechard said.
After Lewis, Bechard was offered a job with his alma mater, Barton County, as the assistant women's basketball coach
After serving as assistant coach for two years, the head volleyball coach left, and the Barton County athletic director asked Bechard if he would take over the program. To this day, Bechard is not sure why.
"I had only been the head coach of a high school program for three years and been out of it for two," Bechard said. "Now, they wanted me to be a collegiate coach."
Bechard served as the volleyball head coach and assistant basketball coach for five years before deciding it was too much. The schedule was too difficult. He also was trying to raise two children, Ashley and Brennan now ages 15 and 11. In 1990, his basketball duties were removed. Bechard continued coaching volleyball until January 25 this year.
In 13 years under Bechard, the Barton County volleyball team went 716-60, including 13 conference championships and nine Final Four appearances at the National Championship.
During that stretch, his team had 126 consecutive home wins. He never lost at home.
"I think that was our biggest accomplishment," Bechard said. "If you look at volleyball, and the momentum involved, that's a great accomplishment."
When the University of Kansas called,
Bechard jumped at the opportunity.
"I have been a huge KU fan for forever and identified mostly with the athletics because that's what we saw on TV."
Beachard said. "I looked at opportunities, but I hoped this worked out. The people here are quality, and the athletic administrators do things the right way."
Beachard went through a formal interview process before he was hired.
"Obviously, the tremendous success he had in the past was a factor," Frederick said. "But most appealing were the recommendations we received from other coaches and people who had worked with him about the family atmosphere he created with his players and how they enjoyed playing for him."
Athletic director Bob Frederick said he liked what he saw.
After he was hired, Bechard spent five weeks training and practicing with his new team. He said that they got to know each other and he talked about where he wanted the program to go, on and off the court.
He said that he noticed a lot of anxiety and frustration.
"Anytime you aren't winning as many as you like, a certain frustration develops," Bechard said. "But this season is going to be different from the past. We only have to take responsibility for this season and on."
The team faces a Big 12 Conference that looks to be the toughest conference in the country, with two top four teams, Texas and Nebraska, and another top 10 team, Colorado.
"If you're not ready to go, they'll eat you up," Bechard said.
The team's first game is September 4 at West Michigan University. Including the Jayhawk Invitational, the team will play 13 home games.
Roy Williams to join board for coaches
By Melinda Weaver
Kansan staff writer
Jayhawk basketball coach Roy Williams will serve on the John R. Wooden Award board of governors with some of the nation's most renowned coaches.
The John Wooden Award is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate basketball player. The award is basketball's equivalent to football's Heisman Trophy.
The selected coaches have directed programs that have consistently won league and national titles and have made appearances in the Final Four. They have coached players involved with the award program during the past 22 years.
The board of governors will assist the Wooden Award staff to ensure the award's criteria continues to include academics and off-court behavior.
Williams: named a member of the John Wooden Award Board of Governors.
Dean Buchan, director of sports information, said that John Wooden, who is in his 80s, created the board to ensure the award would continue to be a prestigious award of integrity after his death.
John Wooden of UCLA will serve as chairman and Dean Smith of North Carolina will be vice chairman.
The other members are Jim Boeheim, Syracuse; Jim Calhoun, Connecticut; Denny Crum, Louisville; Clem Haskins, Minnesota; Gene Keady, Purdue; Mike Krzyzewski, Duke; Rick Majerus, Utah; Mike Montgomery, Stanford; Lute Olson, Arizona; and Orlando "Tubby" Smith, Kentucky.
841-PLAY 1029 Mass
If you love children, Carter's wants you!
Carter, a leader in the childrenreseller retail outlet business, is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions in our NEW store opening in LAKEWOOD, KS.
Store Manager
Assistant Manager
Full and Part-Time Supervisors
Full and Part-Time Sales Associates
Management applicants must possess a minimum of 12-years experience. Children wear apparel experience a plus.
If you would like to work for one of your favorite states where you experience a great working environment and a generous employee discount, then mail your resume or apply in person, to the Children'sAwareness, Lawrence Riverfront Plaza Factory Outlet Management Office, I RIVERPORT Plaza, Lawrence KS 66044.
928 Mass. Downtown Park in the rear