On July 27, 2009, the Western Nebraska Community College Athletic Department announced the hiring of Russ Beck as their new head men’s basketball coach. Beck is now going into his third season at WNCC having compiled a 37-27 record and having sent 6 of his Cougars to the NCAA Division 1 level.  Namely, Geddes Robinson (Utah Valley University), Brylle Kamen (San Jose State University), Francsico Cruz (University of Wyoming), Scott Bamforth (Weber State), Lloyd Hickinson (Southern University) and Hauns Brereton (University of Hawaii).

Beck has experienced successful coaching stops at such National Junior College powerhouses as Dixie State College, Salt Lake Community College, and the College of Southern Idaho. Beck also spent one season as an assistant at the NCAA division I level at Southern Utah University.

“I am honored to be the head coach here at WNCC and from the moment you step into our gym you can feel the history all around you,” Beck said. “NJCAA coaching greats Soupy Campbell and Ron Brillhart walked these sidelines and set a precedent for championship caliber Cougar basketball.”

Prior to Beck’s arrival at WNCC one of his coaching stops was at Salt Lake Community College where he assisted Norm Parrish and helped lead the SLCC Bruins to a 32-4 school record and a National Runner-up finish in 2007-2008. Beck also was key to the recruitment and signing of the NJCAA National tournament MVP, DJ Wright, who lead SLCC to the 2008-2009 National Championship after Beck had departed from SLCC to take the top assistant spot at the College of Southern Idaho. 

Beck has worked for three NJCAA National Coaches of the Year in Jeff Kidder, Norm Parrish and Steve Gosar . “I have been privileged to work for some of the best coaches and programs in the country at the junior college level,” Beck said. “Of the JC’s I have had a chance to work for they have collectively won 6 national championships during the history of their programs”. 

In his six years coaching at the junior college level and numerous years working with some of the nation’s top high school athletes at high profile camps Beck has coached and recruited 40 players that have gone on to play at the NCAA division I level at schools such as the Hawaii, Utah Valley, San Jose State, Weber State, Wyoming, Southern, Boise State, Utah, Louisiana Tech,  Portland State, Baylor,  Washington, Utah State,  Arizona State,  Northern Colorado, Cal State Northridge, Stephen F. Austin, Cornell, Montana,  Cal State Fullerton,  BYU, Idaho, Eastern Washington, Southern Utah,  Florida International, New Mexico State, Miami, UNLV, Fresno State, UCLA and North Carolina.

"I wake up every day and count my blessings that I have the opportunity to do something that I love,” Beck said. “There is nothing like working together on the court and seeing hard work rewarded with opportunity.”

During his career Beck has coached several  high profile players and All-Americans such as, Jason Petrimoulx (Dixie),  1st team All-American and region 18 MVP, Davell Jackson (SLCC), Pre-season All-American and Bud Obee small man award recipient, Brian Green (SLCC), former UCONN signee and early NBA draft entrant Nate Miles (CSI), and former LSU signee and NJCAA national tournament MVP DJ Wright (SLCC). Last season Beck coached WNCC first All-American since 1999, Hauns Brereton.

Beck earned his associate's of science degree at Dixie State College, his bachelor's of science degree in interpersonal communication and journalism at Southern Utah University and his master’s of science degree in human performance and physical education with a coaching emphasis from Adams State College. After graduating from American Fork High School and prior to attending college Beck served a volunteer mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Missouri Independence Mission.

Beck is married to Charity who is originally from Laguna Hills, Calif. The couple enjoys spending family time with their two daughters – Leilani (8) and Breezy (5) and their new son Ryker (2). When Beck isn’t on the court or on the road recruiting he enjoys being in the great outdoors bow hunting, fishing and camping with his family.

"My family and I are elated to be here at WNCC and in the Scottsbluff area. We are focused on bringing in the right kind of young men that are serious about an education, serious about winning and are willing to put in the work required. My family and I look forward to working side by side with you in building upon the past success here as we seek to bring the first ever NJCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship to the Cougar Palace.”

WNCC Men's Assistant Basketball Coach
Yahosh Bonner

Yahosh Bonner played two seasons at the University of Northern Colorado where he captured the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Defensive All-American. Bonner played one year at Salt Lake Community College under Coach Beck (2006-07) helping the Bruins to the national tournament.

Bonner is not only the assistant coach for the men's basketball team, but also serves as the residence life director at Conestoga Hall.

While at Bonner started every game for UNC his senior year in helping them to their best season ever. UNC qualified for the CollegeInsider.com Postseason tournament (CIT) where they defeated Portland, before falling to Pacific.

As a senior captain, Bonner averaged 27 minutes playing time and six points a game. His defense was his bread and butter, where he finished with 41 steals.

Bonner played high school ball at Mountain View High in Mesa, Ariz. He started playing basketball when he was eight.

Yahosh and his wife, Vanessa, are the proud parents of Malachi, who was born August 2010.

Yahosh’s hobby is singing and he even tried out for American Idol, where he made the first cut in auditions before getting cut in the second round. Yahosh said while he loves to sing, his first love is basketball.