We asked football coaches throughout southwest Missouri to tell us about other coaches they respect and why. Here are the coaches who were recognized by their colleagues.

Wes Beacheler (Nevada High School):

“Wes is a coach that I have known for a long time. He is a hard worker who has an “old school” mentality and does things the right way. I have watched Wes rebuild multiple programs and he always gets the most out of his players. If I had a son and I could pick someone to coach them, Coach Beachler would be my pick.”

John Roderique (Formerly Webb City):

“I have known coach Roderique back to our playing days at Pitt State. Back then he was a great leader and seemed to care about all the players around him. Looking forward that is exactly what he brought/brings to this day. Cares about kids and holds them to a very high standard. I think all coaches hope to use those same ideals when they coach their players.”

Cody Hilburn (Seneca):

“Coach Hilburn runs a class program and it’s no shock that he’s had the success he’s had. His athletes play with confidence but they’re very disciplined and it’s clear that they respect him. I look forward to the challenge of playing his program as that is a good test to see where we’re at.”

John Guidie (Carthage):

“I worked for Coach Guidie as a young coach in Carthage. He taught me most of what I know today about coaching football. He’s a great football mind and spent a lot of time with me when I was still learning what it meant to be a coach.”

Ryan McFarland (Webb City):

“I respect Coach McFarland for many reasons. I have gotten to coach against Ryan in some capacity for all 4 seasons of my head coaching career. He always has his team extremely prepared and coached up in all facets. He also is a great person from the interactions I’ve had with him on and off the football field. He also has a great family and that is something I wish to model one day as well. I wish him the best of luck as he takes over the best football program in the state of Missouri in Webb City. I have no doubt that he will have great success due to his work ethic and dedication to his players.”

Russell Ellis (Sarcoxie):

“I’ve known Coach Ellis for a long time while we’ve been coaching. He’s always been a guy that asks how we are doing and asks my kids how they are doing. He genuinely cares about his kids and ours. Last year we lost a 16-year-old to a tragic accident and he called me immediately to see if we needed anything, That right there just signified the type of guy he is. I greatly appreciate him as a fellow coach and a friend.”