University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Beechner was UNK athletic director athletic director from 1987 to 1996 and was men's golf coach from 1996 to 2009. During his nine years as athletic director, Beechner guided the university in its transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, began major fund raising activities, oversaw the construction of the Health and Sports Center, facilitated the entry into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and brought two NCAA national championship events – cross country and wrestling – to Kearney.

Beechner served as golf coach for 13 years, a time that was the most successful in the program’s history. The Lopers won three RMAC titles, made seven NCAA Super Regional appearances and hosted one Super Regional. He was a member Division II Golf National Committee and was committee chair in 2008. One of his golf innovations, the Loper Cup, pits alumni and the golf team against each other in a Ryder Cup format. That annual event was renamed the Beechner Cup after he retired.

He has also served as executive director of the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Foundation from 2003 to 2010, is treasurer of the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame. Beechner has also been a key member of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce sports and recreation committee for more than 20 years. For his work he received the Kearney Hub Freedom Award in 2009.