Oklahoma Panhandle State University Athletics

The unsung heroes of an offensive line rarely expect to receive accolades or recognition for a job well done; their performance is typically measured on the performance of others. So, when an o-lineman is called into the limelight, you can be sure the attention is very well deserved. Guard Frank Beede will add 'Hall of Famer' to his list of achievements this week, as he is inducted into the Aggie Hall of Fame on Friday, Feb. 3.

Though his time at Panhandle was short, his impact was great and Frank Beede looks back with pride and appreciation on his days as an Aggie. A starting offensive lineman for the University of California-Berkeley in 1992 and 1993, Beede came to Panhandle State in 1995 following a departure from Cal after his 1994 season. While playing for the Golden Bears Beede participated in the Citrus Bowl in '92, the Alamo Bowl in '93 and earned Honorable Mention for All-PAC 10 Conference in '94.

After seriously debating entering the NFL Draft early after his junior season at Cal, Beede was offered two options to extend his college playing career and felt that Panhandle was the best fit. "It really worked out well. I was able to keep playing football and got my story turned around, which opened up some great opportunities." The doors definitely opened up when Beede entered the NFL Draft in 1996 and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks to later become the first free-agent rookie starter in franchise history.

He entered as the lowest lineman on the totem pole, but worked hard and worked his way up during the preseason. "I remember I was the 17th of 17 o-lineman on the team, and during the last preseason game, one of our starters went out with an injury." The backup went in but after giving up a sack on his third busted play, they pulled him giving Beede the opportunity of a lifetime. "I had a pretty good game against the 49ers and earned a spot on the 53-man roster." Beede went on to start the first two games of the regular season that year, against Miami and Kansas City, before the starter returned from injury. His career with the Seahawks lasted five years when a blown knee would no longer allow him to play at the professional level.

From the NFL Beede was able to extend his career with the Arena Football League's San Jose Sabercats. He saw it as an opportunity to stay in shape and gain experience at another level. Signing with the Sabercats in 2002, Beede stayed on for six years and was part of a team that won three Arena Bowl titles. "It was a fun thing to be a part of." During his time with the Sabercats, he doubled as a student at Cal State-East Bay in Hayward where he earned his teaching credentials in 2003. He juggled a new teaching career during his remaining years with San Jose, and now is a full time history teacher at Freedom High School in Oakley, Calif. Once again, his hard work paid off when Beede received the NFL Teacher of the Year award in 2010. In a Seahawks release he was quoted as saying, "It's about making a difference. You get to make a difference in these kid's lives; and you see it. You take a lot of pride in making an impact on a kid's life." (Seahawk Legends Community, 2010)

While Beede is now the one influencing lives of young people, he is thankful to the people of Panhandle who took him in and embraced him during his short stint in Goodwell. "I was only here for five or six months, but to make lasting relationships that fast is really special." He may have been used to playing in front of a crowd of 60,000 at Cal, but felt equally appreciated on the field of play as an Aggie. "I still have ten or eleven teammates who are ready to meet up when I come to town."

Many lasting friendships for Beede were built on the offensive front, and the unique bond among the offensive line remains steadfast through the years. He described players in that position group as kind of blue collar, hard workers who get the job done adding, "Everyone is valuable to the team, but the o-line is a little different because you are a unit, and all five of you have to work together. It's a real band of brothers." That work ethic and acknowledgement that the team's success was dependent on his own and on that of the o-line has carried Beede through a path of successes for which he is truly grateful.

Crediting much of his success to his education, Beede encourages young athletes today to stay on track. "Make sure you put the 'student' ahead of the 'athlete' in student-athlete. If you don't take care of business in the classroom, you can't take care of it on the field." He added, "I've known plenty of star-quality athletes whose playing careers never got off the ground past high school because of grades." He also spoke from experience saying, "Get your education while you can because it becomes much tougher to do it when you're older." The Antioch, Calif. native has settled nearby in Oakley where he lives with his wife of 15 years, Kim and their four children.