Volleyball Family Mourns Loss of Alumnus Chris Beerman

MUNCIE, Ind. - - The Ball State volleyball family joins the greater volleyball community in mourning the loss of alumnus and friend Chris Beerman, who passed away at the age of 53.

Beerman was a four-year letterwinner and two-time All-American for the men's volleyball program from 1987-90. He played two seasons with both BSU head coach Joel Walton and assistant coach Kevin Furnish.

Beerman finished his playing career as the NCAA all-time leader in digs (1,047) and the program record holder in career kills (1,777).

A two-time First Team All-Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association selection, he also finished his career ranked first in program history in kills-per-set average (4.28), matches with double-figure kills (86), matches with 20-or-more kills (26), attack attempts (3,751), matches with double-digit digs (43), matches with 20-or-more digs (2) and digs-per-set average (2.52).

In joining the Ball State men's volleyball program, Beerman followed in the footsteps of his father Tom, a MIVA Player of the Year for the Cardinals who went on to serve as the freshman volleyball coach from 1964-65. In addition, Beerman met his wife, the former Mary-Beth Singleton, while on Ball State's campus. She was a four-year letterwinner for the women's volleyball program from 1986-89.

Beerman went on to a successful coaching career that included head coaching stints with the women's volleyball programs at James Madison and Pittsburgh and stints as an assistant at Ball State, South Florida, Louisville and Kentucky. He then founded the Lexington United Volleyball Club and served as its director.

Statement from Ball State Head Coach Joel Walton:
"Chris Beerman was a teammate, fellow coach and friend whom I spent a significant amount of time with in my life. As a teammate, Chris motivated me to excel every point. He didn't tolerate losing and pushed all of us to be the best versions of ourselves on the court.

"As a fellow coach, I worked with Chris as he was pursuing his graduate degree. I appreciated the way he thought about the game and the way he relayed information to his athletes.

"As a friend, I enjoyed the time I spent with Chris and the passion he had for life and any activity he was participating in. He was an extremely honest and committed person. I always knew where I stood with him. He loved volleyball, and that was evident in the number of years, places and athletes he coached through his career at both the collegiate and club level.

"I am sad Chris will no longer be a part of my life, and I will hold onto and cherish the many memories of the time we spent together. I send my condolences, thoughts and prayers to Mary-Beth, Kendall, Jackson and the entire Beerman family."

Statement from Ball State Assistant Coach Kevin Furnish:
"For the two years I played with him, Chris was bigger than life. He was a great mentor, pulling me along and helping me develop into an all-conference attacker. He was a fiery competitor and wouldn't accept anything but the best from everyone around him.

"Chris was a great teammate and an even better friend. I truly value everything he did to help me on and off the court. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends and will keep all of them in my thoughts and prayers."

Ball State University Athletics

Volleyball Family Mourns Loss of Alumnus Chris Beerman

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