Oberlin High School senior Jordan Beard eagerly anticipates the day he puts on the crimson and gold Yeoman basketball jersey. Beard has a laundry list of accomplishments, but the greatest may not even be on the hardwood, the gridiron or the diamond.

Beard is the 15th member of his family to attend Oberlin. His father led the 1985-1986 Yeoman hoops to an 11-16 record and the all-time single season scoring mark with 652 points. Beard’s uncle wore the crimson and gold jersey during the 1983-1984 season before being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the eighth round.

The youngest Beard is no stranger to local success. This past season, after finishing a career that included 1433 points and a first Team All Lorain County selection, he was awarded Lorain County Mr. Basketball. Beard’s averages of 24 points a game, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists propelled him to this honor, making him the first basketball player in the history of Oberlin High School to earn the prestigious honor.

Beard’s presence has the potential to transcend a muddled relationship between the College and the town.

“Jordan will bring excitement, being a local star and Mr. Basketball, so that everyone will recognize Jordan Beard and Oberlin basketball,” head coach Frank Dobbs said.

Beard achieved a total 12 varsity letters from his heady guard skills, his electrifying presence as the Indians Quarterback and his offensive dominance on the diamond.

During the humid autumn weather, Beard strapped on his shoulder pads, buckled his helmet and tightened his pads before earning first Team All Conference honors as quarterback. During his junior baseball season, he pitched around in the lineup and still managed a .489 average. Beard has decided not to play football his first year as a Yeoman, while baseball is still in question.

Even more impressive than Beard’s resume of athletic accomplishments are his musical and artistic talents. Beard has a sincere passion for the violin and has garnered a spot in the orchestra. His love for art lies far deeper than dissecting defenses, slugging curveballs and swiftly attacking the basket.

“I like to draw, paint and chalk,” Beard said, regarding his appreciation for multiple forms of art.

Beard’s commitment could not come at a more crucial time for Oberlin College and Dobb’s basketball program. The Yeomen struggled throughout North Coast Athletic Conference play and finished a dismal 7-18. Dobbs and company will lose guards Anthony Richardson, Julius Hill and Cameron Leverett to graduation.

“Basketball-wise he could be one of the best players to ever play here once he gains experience,” Dobbs said.

Beard looks to gain immediate playing time with an undersized Yeoman returning class. Juniors DeWayne Evans and Steve Reid and first-year Marcus Little return with an average playing time of just over 10 minutes.

Beard looks forward to fulfilling his family legacy as well as being a student athlete at a world-class institution. “I want to show people Oberlin is a nice school that should not be overlooked,” Beard explained.