WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. — Chris Beck has an extensive background with Williamstown’s football program.
The former Yellowjackets’ standout, who graduated in 2002 and had been a WHS assistant since 2008, is taking on a new task after being approved by the Wood County Board of Education as Williamstown’s new head coach.
Beck replaces Terry Smith, who resigned last month following 16 successful seasons. His past should ease the transition.
“The familiarity is going to help,” Beck said. “I know what we have. I know the parents, players and community. I know what we’ve been successful at.
“Over the last twelve years, I learned from coach Smith your preparation and culture wins games — not always just the Xs and Os of it. He instilled a culture at Williamstown that we look to continue moving forward.”
Beck was a first-team all-state selection at defensive lineman in 2001 — when Williamstown was a Class AA school.
As an assistant coach, he oversaw the offensive line and most recently the secondary.
“You have to have knowledge of both sides of the ball to excel,” he said. “Coach Smith was an offensive coordinator, became head coach and then was the defensive coordinator. Having background on both and knowing what we’re trying to establish and how it plays into us winning as a team is important.”
Beck said assistant coaches Brian Adams and Avery Goff will return, though the Yellowjackets will add three new assistants. Beck hopes to have his staff filled out in its entirety soon.
“We have a staff firmed up, but we’re still dotting the ‘i’s and crossing the ‘t’s,” Beck said.
Beck will look to continue the football program’s strong tradition with Williamstown having established itself as one of the state’s premier programs over the last two decades. The Yellowjackets played in seven state titles games in Smith’s 16 seasons, while winning it all twice.
WHS finished with a winning record in 15 of Smith’s 16 seasons and qualified for the postseason every year.
“What we want from our team is a bunch of guys that play really hard and give total effort. When teams play us I want them to know they’re facing a team going all out that’s physically and mentally tough,” Beck said. “It’s been our calling card for a long time and I’m hopeful it’ll continue to be.”