Bio

Chris Beene was named the Head Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field coach in early February of 2024 for Odessa College. 

Coach Beene begins his second season as Head Coach.

Beene’s career began as an assistant coach at Abilene Christian University and Texas Tech University.  He then went on to be the head coach at Wayland Baptist University and South Plains College. While coaching at South Plains, his teams won a record 32 National Team Championships.  Also, during his tenure as the Head Coach at South Plains College, he has been named National Coach of the Year 14 times and National Coach of the meet 25 times. He has also had more than 20 athletes from programs that he has coached that have run in the Olympics and/or World Championships, more than 50 athletes win National Championships, and over 150 athletes receive All-American status.

In May of 2021, Coach Beene was honored when he was inducted into the NJCAA Coach's Hall of Fame and again in January of 2024 when he was inducted into the Texas Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame.

Coach Beene’ most recent honors happened this past year (2024-2025) with 4 Legacy awards from the NJCAA.  These awards are given to coaches who have won multiple team titles in their sport.  Coach Beene received this honor for Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, as well as Men’s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field.  No other Junior College Coach won 4 Legacy Awards for Track & Field. 

Coach Beene and his late wife, Corye, have a daughter, Faith, and a son, Sage.  Coach Beene lost his wife in 2024.  She was his heart and soul, and he says that his goal is to build the Odessa College program to a National Championship Powerhouse in honor of her memory.