Denard Bertram Takes the Helm: Oak Ridge's New Era in Basketball

Bertram's Exciting New Role

On May 19, Oak Ridge High School announced the hiring of Denard Bertram as their head basketball coach, a significant step for a program eager to build on its recent history. Known for his coaching success at Austin-East, Bertram brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to Oak Ridge.

Success at Austin-East

Bertram's tenure at Austin-East was marked by impressive achievements, compiling an 82-53 record and culminating in a state tournament appearance in 2024. His leadership skills not only made him a successful coach but also a mentor to young athletes, embodying the spirit of growth and discipline.

“We are very excited to have Denard Bertram lead our boys' basketball program,” said Oak Ridge's athletic director, Joseph Gaddis. “He has only known success as a coach... And as outstanding as he has been as a coach and a leader of young men, he seems to be an even better person.”

A New Chapter for Oak Ridge

Bertram replaces long-time coach Aaron Green, who retired after 27 years—an astounding career with 428 wins and multiple state championship appearances. This transition sets the stage for a fresh start while maintaining the rich tradition of Oak Ridge basketball.

Coming Full Circle

Interestingly, Bertram isn't new to Oak Ridge; he was an assistant coach during their 2014 state championship run under Green. This connection undoubtedly adds a layer of depth to his understanding of the program's culture and expectations. In an interview with Knox News, he reflected on this transition:

“This whole thing, God set it up. I'd been told 'no' so many times. I was able to get this job at Austin-East, and it was the pinnacle of what I thought my coaching career could be. I never even imagined even sitting in a chair to interview for the head job at Oak Ridge.”

Building Relationships

Bertram's professionalism in the hiring process, especially his decision to wait until the hire was official before informing Green, speaks volumes about his character. His relationship with the former coach remains strong, further illustrating the values he holds dear:

“I never wanted to put him in a position to where he needed to feel like he had to do something to help me get the opportunity,” Bertram expressed. “He congratulated me on the job and let me know that he loved me. We're still friends to this day.”

The Road Ahead

As Oak Ridge moves forward with Bertram at the helm, there's palpable excitement. The team's recent performance—finishing 18-13 and placing third in District 4-4A—combined with Bertram's dynamic leadership, opens the door for potential growth.

The community is optimistic, reflecting on the unwavering support for their teams. As I look towards next season and the possibilities it brings, I can't help but feel that Oak Ridge is on the brink of something special under Bertram's guidance.

Conclusion

Denard Bertram's appointment as Oak Ridge's basketball coach signifies much more than a change in leadership. It embodies a vision for nurturing talent and instilling values both on and off the court. The future looks bright for Oak Ridge basketball, and I am eager to track this transformative journey.