Bess seller? Book chronicles Three Rivers coach

~ The Three Rivers coach now has one book to go with more than 1,000 wins.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- When Nadine Roberts approached legendary Three Rivers basketball coach Gene Bess two years ago about writing his biography, the long-time coach took a moment to think about it. Then he glanced out onto the gym floor, saw his grandson Kolby playing, and the rest, as they say, is history.

"Well, you know, someday that little boy might want to read about what his grandpa did," Bess told Roberts before giving her and co-author Cynthia Richardson permission to write the book.

The three were reunited Aug. 13 at the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff for an official book signing in front of a large crowd of family, friends and former players.

The book, which is titled "Gene Bess: College Basketball's Winningest Coach," has not officially been released nationwide, but there were plenty of copies for purchase Aug. 13. Southern Missouri Bank bought 500 copies and 200 remain to be purchased at all of its branches. The book also will be available at local Barnes & Noble, Hastings and Borders bookstores, and also can be ordered from the publisher's Web site, acclaimpress.com.

Roberts and Richardson took several months to research, read and talk to Bess' family, closest friends and former players about parts of his life. The finished product features 20 chapters and tells readers how Bess recruits coachable kids and depends on teamwork while leading by example. It shows how he teaches responsibility and emphasizes academics.

There is a chapter dedicated to his records, achievements and awards on the court and another on the referees. The book also has several photos, including images of the coach as a young boy, player and coach.

Bess, who grew up in Oak Ridge and attended Southeast Missouri State, coached at Oran High School before heading to Three Rivers Community College, where he became the winningest coach in college basketball and surpassed 1,000 wins this past winter.

There are photos in the book dedicated to that milestone win and his induction to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, which also took place this past winter.

The first chapter of the book talks about how Bess makes champions out of dreamers and that the key ingredient to his entire success lies within his family and his absolute, unquestioning faith.

"When I think about what has transpired in my life, it always goes back to my family," said Bess, who has never had a losing season at Three Rivers. "And, of course, my best friend, Jesus Christ."

The final few pages of the biography lists Raiders alumni dating back to the 1967-68 season and also details the school's all-time statistical leaders.

"It's an honor for the both of us to be able to write this book," Richardson said. "It was a labor of love and we truly enjoyed working with this book."

Roberts said it was one of the best burdens she ever had to carry.

"We hoped we could write the book and help people remember Coach Bess when he is no longer with us," she added.

Bess added, "I knew if anyone could make my story good, it was Nadine.

"They are both very fine women," he added. "I am pleased with how the book turned out. They made some fine gestures about this old coach."

Roberts and Richardson both serve as English teachers at TRCC. Roberts has published seven young adult novels and several how-to books. Richardson's writing credits include magazine and academic articles.

"Coach Bess has been a monumental service to everyone in the community," said Steve Lewis, who is the chair of the humanities and performing arts division at TRCC. "It says a lot about Three Rivers when all three people involved with the book are connected with the school. I came out to the event to show my support to Gene, Nadine and Cynthia. I think this is just great news for the school and for the community."

Lewis wasn't the only one who came out to support the book and the people involved.

Several current and former players attended the ceremony, including Jimmy Dixon, who played for TRCC from 1975 to 1977 and hasn't been in Poplar Bluff since his playing days.

"This couldn't have happened to a better man," Dixon said. "He was a big influence on my life, and I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

Both Paul McClure and Mary B. Murphy were in attendance to get their signed copies.

McClure is the brother-in-law of former Raiders coach Bob Cradic and has become close friends with Bess.

"Gene is one of the finest and is one of the most dedicated to his sport," McClure said. "He brings the kids up in a Christian environment and is one of the greatest coaches of all time."

Murphy is a long-time friend of the family and works with Bess' wife, Nelda.

"This whole thing is just tremendous," Murphy said. "I think it's great that someone took the time to say some nice things about Gene."

Only time will tell if the book helps create even more of a buzz with the program and assists in bringing prospective players into the fold. But Brian Bess, who is one of Gene's assistant coaches and his son, said the positive publicity won't hurt.

"We got a lot of positive publicity when dad got his 1,000th win, but I am not sure how this book will help us in getting recruits to come to [TRCC]," Brian Bess said. "It won't hurt though."

Both Gene and Brian thanked the many in attendance for supporting the program and the book.

"It took a lot of people through the days to get me to where I am today," Gene Bess said.