Beatrice Hires School Alum, Former Husker Pitcher Andy Bent as New Baseball Coach

Beatrice hires school alum, former Husker pitcher Andy Bent as new baseball coach

"I've been through it all and I feel like I can give them a good idea of what it takes," Bent said. "I think back to all the great coaches I had here and how much I take from them, and then I can pass along to all these young kids. And I've had a chance to get out and do some one-on-one lessons with the younger kids this summer and get to know them. Just excited for me to be a teacher and a coach here and there are no words for it, really. I'm j…

Keck Named BHS Baseball Coach

Jared Keck. (Photo Courtesy: BatesvilleBulldogs.com) Jared Keck has been named varsity baseball coach at Batesville High School. Keck has served the BHS program since the 2022-23 school year, including as varsity assistant for the past three seasons, and as JV coach in 2023. Prior to coming to Batesville, Keck was an assistant baseball coach at South Ripley for four years. “We are very excited to have Coach Keck leading our program,” BHS athletic director Bryan Helvie said. “His passion and drive to carry on a successful tradition of Batesville baseball is a great fit for our student-athletes. We are looking forward to watching the baseball program continue to grow under Coach Keck’s leadership.” Keck, who is a South Ripley High School graduate, says he is looking forward to his new role. “I’m excited for an opportunity to lead a great group of student-athletes,” Keck said. “I look forward to giving back to a game that has given me so much. I’m especially thankful for the support I’ve received from my family and the community throughout the process.” Batesville finished the 2026 season with a record of 17-11 and won a sectional title under former coach Tyler Burcham, who stepped down to spend more time with his family. The Bulldogs season ended with a loss to Providence in the Floyd Central Regional. “I’m looking forward to the grind! Fortunately, we have a group of young men who are hungry and love the game,” Keck said. “I’m excited to see what we can build from that shared passion. With a strong emphasis on communication, commitment, hard work, and accountability—I feel we are in a good position to continue the winning culture Coach Burcham and others before me helped create. Ultimately, I’m excited for the opportunity to be a conduit in helping these young men become successful in life on and off the field.” Keck played college baseball at Indiana University Southeast, where he studied economics. He is currently employed as a Regional Sales Manager for FPZ. (Information courtesy: BatesvilleBulldogs.com)