Oregon Institute of Technology Athletics

Playing basketball for Oregon Tech fulfilled a dream for Beth Derner.

Unless, however, there is some kind of abbreviated season this spring, the senior from Modoc will have played her final game for the Hustlin' Owls just as she was on the verge of what could have been her best season.
"After a nice junior year, Beth had become an instrumental player for us," head women's basketball coach Scott Meredith said, noting Derner had been named most valuable defensive player for OIT last season and was voted a captain for this season.

"She was poised for an all-conference type of season," the coach said.

"It sucks," Derner said of not getting a senior season after having taken a long road to become a member of the OIT women's basketball team.

She often attended Tech's summer basketball camps and knew he wanted to play for OIT. At Meredith's suggestion, Derner spent two years at College of the Siskiyous before heading to Tech.

After a redshirt season, Derner became a key member of the team last year.

"It started when I was in the eighth grade and my dad (Jake) bought OIT tickets for my birthday and we attended games," Derner said. "I always kept (Tech) in my mind. Plus, I have always been interested in medical technology."

Like all of the basketball players in the Cascade Collegiate Conference, she was granted an extra year.

Her ultrasound/echocardiographic major all but ended the chance.

Derner will discover at the end of the current term where she will travel to complete her externship.

To play after that would be difficult, the 23-year-old said.

"I just try to stay optimistic," she said. "We're all in tough times. I want to spend enough time with my teammates while I have them, to spend time with them while we have the time."

"She was ready," Meredith said. "We've had a real nice experience. She came to us at a position where we were really deep at, but she has become one of our hardest workers. Still works hard and seta s good example for our players.

"Her game has developed, and it's sad she can't play her senior year," he added.

"I know everything happens for a reason," Derner said.

To play junior college basketball, head to OIT where she could play close to home and remain near the family ranch near Canby, Calif., all have been rewarding.

"My years at Siskiyous was one of my better experiences," Derner said. "Everything fell right into place. Both at Siskiyous and here, I have had the chance to break out. I have figured a lot of things out because of the experiences."

There have been plenty of adjustments, too.

The pace of the four-year college game was one.

Tougher classes, and the way classes are taught at OIT is another.

And, adjusting from a quarter system to semesters had moments where there was a big-time challenge.

The move from places like Canby, Alturas and Weed to a biggest city also presented their own challenges.

"I just expected it to be difficult, but that's what I wanted," she said.

"Having her here has been rewarding," Meredith said, capping Derner's career with the Hustlin' Owls.
 
DERNER AT A GLANCE

• Favorite book – "Can't Hurt Me," by David Doggins.
• Favorite TV show – none, really. "I'd rather be outdoors."
• Favorite place visited – "I still love Mt. Shasta."
• Place would like to visit – Iceland.
• Most famous person me – rapped Nef the Pharaoh.
• Favorite sports team – San Francisco 49ers.
• Favorite athlete – Klay Thompson.
• Favorite food – sushi or Mexican.
• Parents – Jake and Monica.
• Siblings – older brother Jac.