Sterling P. Beane, Sr. graduated from Gassaway High School (in Braxton County) in 1965, where he was a three-sport athlete. In the fall of 1965, he attended Glenville State College to play football and major in education. While at GSC, he was a four-year starter and letterman for the Pioneer football team. He also lettered in wrestling and participated in track. He graduated in 1970 with a degree in physical education, social studies, and driver's education.

Shortly after graduating, he was drafted by Selective Services. Beane chose to join the West Virginia National Guard, Company B 109 2nd Combat Engineers, so he could begin his career in teaching while still serving his country. During his tenure at Braxton County High School, he taught American History and Driver Education (37 years full time and 13 years substituting).

Coach Beane started the wrestling program at Braxton County High School during the 1972-73 season. He has built a wrestling legacy in his 50 years as the only head wrestling coach in the school's history. Beane also coached football for 37 years, where he served as an assistant for 28 years and the head coach 9 years). As the head coach, his teams made the state playoffs twice and earned the first playoff win in the school's history. He also coached baseball for 18 years and high school and middle school track for 6 years.

Some of Coach Beane's accolades include 14 Regional Championships and 7 Runner-up finishes. His teams have finished in the top 10 in the state tournament 17 times, with a runner-up finish in 2020. He has won 15 conference championships and had 101 state placers with 6 state champions and 20 runners-up. His overall dual meet record is 778 wins, 260 losses, and 9 ties, with many tournament championships. He has coached several individual conference and regional champions and runners-up, as well as sent wrestlers to compete at the collegiate level.

One of his former Braxton County wrestlers was a high school All American in Freestyle and Greco Roman, and one wrestler was a two-time college All-American.

Coach Beane has been Conference Coach of the Year, Regional Coach of the Year, and the WV Athletic Director's Coach of the Year many times throughout his career. He was the Little Kanawha Conference Coach of the Year in 2003-2004 and 2017-2018. He received the Kenny Wright Boys Coach of the Year award in 2016-17 and was the 2003-04 NFHS Coach of the Year.

Sterling was married to his devoted wife and partner, Judy Morris Beane, for 48 years. They have one son, Sterling P. Beane, Jr. and wife Dr. Monica Beane (of Wake Forest, NC); and one grandson, Sterling "Price" Beane, III of Kona, Hawaii.