By Brian Hoffman
From the July 21, 2004 edition of the New Castle Record
Andy Beane, son of Johnnie and Angie Beane, signed a partial scholarship on Tuesday, July 12, to play basketball for the Highland Cavaliers at The University of Virginia College at Wise. The team is coached by Lee Clark.
Beane was an All-Pioneer District selection this past basketball season for the Craig County Rockets despite missing the early part of the season with a leg injury. A 6’ 6” center, Andy averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds a game last year and was instrumental inleading Craig County to its first post season victory in 14 years. The Rockets reached the semi-finals f the Pioneer District Tournament.
“I am really excited for Andy,” said Craig County Basketball Coach Walt Raines. “Andy worked hard coming back from a serious knee injury to help our team. His determination to play again should be an example for all young athletes in our area as to what hard work and effort can accomplish. He went from possibly never playing again, to making the all-district team and then being rewarded by receiving a scholarship to play at the next level.
“I’ve been coaching basketball for about 20 years, and in all my years of coaching, I have never met a more positive person than Andy. He is a total team player. He will do whatever it takes to help his team succeed. I wish all of my players had this mentality.”
Andy became the second Craig County High School Basketball player to sign a scholarship in the last few months to play for Coach Clark. Charles “C.J.” Crowder, son of Wendell and Sherry Crowder, signed on to play with UVA at Wise on May 29th.
“It is a tremendous boost for our community and our basketball program to have Andy and C.J. receive scholarships to play at the collegiate level.” Coach Raines went on to say, “It proves what cam be accomplished when young men work hard in the classroom, and the work hard on their game. More importantly, C. J. and Andy are outstanding individuals. They are excellent role models for our young people.
-Prepared by Shelly Koon
