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Dewar’s Coach Been celebrates milestone 200th win
B: Sports
September 25, 2024
Dewar’s Coach Been celebrates milestone 200th win
By PATRICK FORD NEWS EDITOR

A major milestone in Oklahoma high school football history was reached Friday night as Dewar Dragons Head Coach Josh Been clinched his 200th career win, securing his place among the elite of Oklahoma football coaches. In a game that marked a first for the Dewar High School football program – playing an out-of-state opponent – the Dragons traveled nearly six hours to Dermott, Arkansas, and returned with a dominant 51-20 victory over the Dermott Rams. The win added another chapter to the storied legacy of Coach Been, who has become synonymous with success in Dewar.

— The Game: Dewar Dominates in Out-of-State Showdown The Dragons didn’t let the long bus ride affect their performance, as they quickly asserted control against Dermott. Dewar’s offense, which has been explosive all season, overwhelmed the Rams with 51 points. The defense also played a key role, limiting Dermott to just 20 points despite the Rams’ best efforts to challenge Dewar’s dominance.

Coach Been’s leadership was evident from start to finish as his team displayed disciplined execution on both sides of the ball. The win marked Dewar’s second straight victory to start the season, but it carried much more significance as Coach Been reached the coveted 200-win milestone.

— 200 Wins: A Legacy Cemented Coach Josh Been’s 200th victory is a testament to his longevity, consistency, and remarkable success as a foot- ball coach. With a career record of 200 wins and just 57 losses, Been now joins an elite group of high school football coaches in Oklahoma history. His accomplishment places him on the prestigious list of active coaches with 50 or more career wins, a recognition that speaks to his sustained excellence over the past two decades.

Been’s journey began in 2001 as an assistant coach at Midway. He quickly proved his potential, transitioning to head coach the following season. In 2005, he returned to his alma mater, Dewar, where he served as an assistant coach for one season before taking the reins as head coach in 2006. Now in his 19th season at Dewar, Coach Been has built one of the most successful football programs in the state.

— A Career Full of Milestones

• 200 Wins, 57 Losses: An impressive win-loss ratio that reflects consistent success throughout his career.

• 11 District Championships: Coach Been has led his teams to the top of their district nearly every other season, showcasing his ability to build and sustain winning programs.

• 17 Playoff Appearances in 22 Seasons: Under his guidance, Dewar has made it to the playoffs 17 times, proving their mettle in the postseason year after year.

• 28 Playoff Wins: Playoff success has become a hallmark of Been’s tenure, with the Dragons excelling under the pressure of win-or-go-home situations.

• 13 State Quarterfinal Appearances and 6 State Semifinal Appearances: His teams have frequently been among the last eight or four standing in the state, a reflection of their elite status.

• 2 State Championship Appearances: Dewar has reached the pinnacle of Oklahoma football twice during Been’s tenure.

• 2020 State Championship: Perhaps the crowning achievement of his career, Coach Been led the Dewar Dragons to their first-ever state championship in 2020 with a perfect 15-0 record, capping an undefeated season and setting a new standard for the program.

— The Historic 27-Game Win Streak Another highlight of Coach Been’s career was guiding Dewar to a school-record 27-game winning streak, a run that spanned across two seasons. This streak further cemented his reputation as one of the best to ever coach in Oklahoma 8-man football, demonstrating his team’s ability to consistently win against top-level competition.

— Contributions Beyond the Field Coach Been’s impact goes beyond the Xs and Os of football. From 2012 to 2022, he served on the Oklahoma 8-Man Football Association board of directors, helping to shape and advocate for the growth and success of the sport in the state. His decade of service highlights his commitment not only to his own team but to the broader football community in Oklahoma.

— Joining an Elite Group of Coaches With his 200th win, Coach Been becomes one of just 10 active coaches in Oklahoma high school football who are on the list of the top 50 all-time winningest coaches. His journey to this point has been defined by perseverance, adaptability, and a deep passion for the game.

— Looking Ahead

As Coach Been and the Dewar Dragons celebrate this incredible milestone, the season continues. With the program thriving under his leadership, the Dragons are once again poised to make a deep playoff run. With an experienced coach at the helm, Dewar’s football future looks as bright as its storied past.

The Dragons’ next challenge awaits this week as the Dragons host the Waurika Eagles (1-3), but with Coach Been at the head of the team, Dewar fans can rest assured that their football program remains in excellent hands.

The 200-win milestone is a fitting tribute to a coach who has dedicated his career to building not just a successful football program, but a community of hardworking, disciplined, and high-achieving young athletes.

Congratulations to Coach Josh Been on this remarkable accomplishment a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.

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