Shane Beamer reflects on his father's challenges of maintaining health amid college football season

Back during the 1989 season when Frank Beamer was at Virginia Tech, the head coach had a heart issue during a game against East Carolina. His son and now-South Carolina headman, Shane Beamer, has a vivid memory of the moment. He was just 12 years old at the time but over three decades later, still remembers how everything played out.

“I remember being on the sidelines with him during a game,” Beamer said. “We were playing East Carolina, I believe, in 1989, and I remember him calling the team doctor over during the game. I couldn’t hear what he was saying but I saw him point to his chest and say something.

“Maybe the next morning or two mornings later, I remember waking up and my Mom telling me ‘Dad is in the hospital’ and telling me what’s going on. I think was 12 at the time — that’s something you don’t like to hear about your Dad. He came out of it and what now.

Frank Beamer wound up coaching at Virginia Tech until 2015 and is alive to this day. Even so, Shane Beamer still wants to make sure he is taken care of. Coaching college football can be a stressful job and demanding for anybody.

Making sure to stay physically active for Beamer is important, both in-season and during the offseason. He also believes not taking care of yourself will translate to coaching performance.

“That’s a strong memory from my childhood that’s helped me now to make sure I’m taking care of myself physically,” Beamer said. “For me, that’s trying to eat right and take care of my body. I exercise every morning and stay active.

“Every morning throughout the year, I’m in the weight room doing something at 6 a.m. four, five days a week… Realizing the profession that I’m in is very stressful. If you don’t take care of yourself, you’re not going to be at your very best.”

Beamer is still young — both age-wise and as a coach. The 49-year-old is entering his fifth season with South Carolina, continuing to find success. Winning on Saturdays will always be a huge priority but Beamer knows the importance of maintaining his health along the way. It appears to be a huge part of his daily routine.