Bertrand finds inspiration from father on, off the court

If you're looking for a humble athlete who appreciates where he came from and who he learned from, glance toward the Cape Girardeau recreational basketball courts and you may spot David Bertrand.

The son of a former Southeast Missouri State University basketball player, Bertrand, 29, gives all credit to his teammates, his former coaches and, most of all, his dad.

"I owe it to my role models," said Bertrand, a Scott City High School graduate. "They exposed me to the positives, and they molded me to the person I am now."

Role models aren't necessarily from the professional leagues. In fact, Bertrand credits Central High School basketball coach Derek McCord -- a former coach at Scott City -- for providing a strong base and starting him on the right path.

"He taught me how to be a leader on the court, as well as off," Bertrand said.

And don't forget Dad, Charles Bertrand, a star guard at Southeast between 1964 and 1968. Charles later coached at Scott City before moving out of town. But now Dad is back and David said he loves having him on his team, the Aaron Andrews Chiropractic Adjusters, in the Cape Parks and Recreational Men's Area Basketball League.

"Dad gives me advice and criticism on my game," David said. "Having his knowledge in my corner helps me make the best of my abilities."

The best of his abilities may be scoring 41 points, which he did in a recent game to up his season scoring average to 18.2 points a game. He averages 22.5 points over his last four games, which he credits to his teammates.

"I'm the tallest on the team, so they give me the ball a lot," said Bertrand, a natural guard who was moved to the power forward position this season because of his height. "But we play so well together as a team. Most of us played together in high school. We have excellent cohesion."

Bertrand's teammates are Aaron Andrews and his brother, Adam Andrews, Scott Crabtree, Devon Barnes and Kurt Burger.

"Everyone on the team is a great athlete," Bertrand said. "Everybody is pitching in. We got off to a shaky start, but we're starting to play better."

The team has struggled this year but will try to get things together in time for next year. Most members have expressed an interest in coming back for another season.

The most special twist the season for Bertrand is that he gets to play with his father. The games bring back memories of a childhood in which David played basketball on a goal his dad put up along their driveway.

"We had a lot of fun," Bertrand said. "And it's fun now because he's back playing with me and coaching me at the same time.

"I was glad to have him back home. He's my role model and my best friend."

Scorpions win home opener against SIU

The Kohlfeld Scorpions Rugby Club displayed impressive early season skills during their 42-10 home-opening win Saturday against the SIU Barbarians at Arena Park.

Winger Jimmy Randle and center T.J. Ebner showed speed by scoring two tries each, while forwards Ben Schwab and Cole Burton scored a try each. Winger Alan Claus caught his own kick and scored as well.

The team's next home match is March 15 at Arena Park against nationally ranked Truman State.

Gators send six to sectional championships

The Gator Swim Team will have six swimmers in the USA Central Sectional Championship at St. Charles, Mo., this weekend, which will include representatives from Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. They are: Steffan Troxel in five individual events and three relays; Jameson Kuper in two events and three relays; Emily Younghouse in the 1,650 freestyle; Ashley Tellor in the 100 and 200 breaststroke; and David Welker and Jordan Kuper, who each will compete in three relays.