Athlete Spotlight - Steve Bertram

Each week BayToday will highlight a local athlete courtesy of BayToday.ca's newest sports writer Joey Butkevich

This week’s athlete spotlight belongs to Steve Bertram, the Grade 13 student is from West Ferris Secondary School. Steve is being spotlighted this week for her mixture of academic and athletic achievements.

Steve is a four sport athlete, who has excelled at every sport he has participated in. Bertram participates yearly in high school football, volleyball, soccer and track.

Steve has been a great athlete and role model in all of his sporting endeavours, however it is his football abilities that have helped him garner an NDA All-star selection, and two NDA Championships as a slot back for the furious Trojans squad. Bertram notes that originally he was not counted on to lead the dominant Trojan football program, but as time progressed he was counted on more heavily to use his leadership and athletic abilities to lead his team to an NDA Championship in 2009. The mild mannered green and white student noted that as a fifth year student, it meant a lot to capture a championship in his last year of high school.

"It was big! Being a fifth year guy, it meant a lot to be a big part of it," said Bertram.

Being a student/athlete requires excellent time-management skills, and Bertram certainly encompasses this skill which has allowed him to excel in the classroom, while managing to still participate in four sports. The Ferris student has maintained an 80% overall average, and is deciding between York and Guelph as possible post-secondary institutions that he will attend. Steve plans on studying Kinesiology, which will hopefully lead him towards a career as a Physical Education Teacher.

Steve views Larry Tougas as a role model in his life. The Trojans sporting guru has helped shape Bertram into a well-rounded individual who is described as focused student/athlete by his peers. Steve believes that Tougas helped guide him towards sports that would benefit his athletic frame, and says he is a large reason for his success.

"When I came into Grade 9, I was not good in sports. But he scooped me up and guided me in the right direction," said Bertram.

Bertram even offered high praise for his high school coach, referring him to the legendary Vince Lombardi.

"He (Tougas) reminds me of Vince Lombardi, may not always be liked, but definitely respected," Bertram added.

With the Spring sports season on the horizon, Bertram has high expectations for two looming sports that he participates in. The likable student see's his Senior Trojans Soccer program ready to compete for an NDA Championship.

"I think we have a pretty good team for this year, from what I hear," he said.

The level-headed teenager also hopes to have continued success in Track and Field this year, as a regular participant at NOSSA in the 100m, and hurdle races, Steve hopes to set his sights on NOSSA once more.

"I just want to get to NOSSA again, and try to have more success there."

Steve's teacher, coach, and role model has been equally impressed with what Bertram does on the field and in school.

"For the past 5 years Steve has worked extremely hard in making himself the consummate student athlete," said Larry Tougas.

"He stepped to front this year with a great year in Football. His outstanding work ethic and attitude have made him a pleasure to coach. He has been a pleasure to coach and great role model for all our student/athletes."

It does not take long to see why Steve Bertram has had a successful High School experience, the young man is a focused, determined, and well-liked young man. Steve Bertram is another example of an local athlete making a difference both on the field, and in the classroom. There is no doubt the future holds many more success stories for this young man; showing exactly what one can accomplish with a little extra effort.