Chad Beeten named Durango boys basketball coach

For the second time in three years, Clark boys basketball coach Chad Beeten has left the school to take on a new challenge.

This time, he didn’t go far.

Beeten was named Durango’s boys basketball coach Thursday. He replaces DeShawn Henry, who stepped down after 12 seasons to pursue an opportunity at the college level.

“Location and tradition,” Beeten cited as two of the biggest reasons he accepted the job. “It’s an athletically-oriented school, really student-athlete oriented. They have had success, and we want to duplicate the success and tradition they have and duplicate the success we’ve had.”

Beeten guided the Chargers for six seasons from 2010-16 before spending one season at Crossroads (California). He returned to Clark for the 2017-18 season.

In eight seasons on Clark’s bench, Beeten was 179-57 and won three Division I-A state titles. He led Clark to the Class 4A state title game this season.

“It’s extremely difficult to leave Clark,” Beeten said. “They are great people at Clark with great kids. It’s tough to leave, but it was a decision I needed to make.”

Beeten will be just the third boys basketball coach in Durango’s history.

Al La Rocque guided the Trailblazers to a 280-176 record in 14 seasons. Henry was 155-137 in 12 seasons.

“We had an amazing amount of quality response,” said Durango athletic administrator Tim Jackson. “Chad came over and made some statements that were wonderful about the history and lineage and stature of Durango basketball. He wanted to be a part of that.

“DeShawn leaving leaves a hole that will be hard to fill. Finding that right person to fill that void was not easy.”

Durango could return as many as nine players from this year’s squad that finished 8-15 overall and 5-7 in the Southwest League.

“I’ve never been worried about wins and losses,” Jackson said. “I’m worried about the development of young men and young women. It’s not about hanging banners in a gym.”

Beeten said long-time assistant coach Ole Svendsen will be joining him on the staff at Durango.

“The goal definitely is to win,” Beeten said. “But we want to develop high character kids.”

Contact reporter Bartt Davis at bdavis@reviewjournal.com