College Player Becomes Head Coach Months After Graduating

Most college football players who want to coach spend years climbing the ladder, starting as assistants and working their way up. Rhet Bertram skipped all those steps and landed his dream job before most people even update their résumé.

Just months after finishing his playing career at Dakota State University, Bertram became head coach of the Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian Thunderhawks in South Dakota. The Colome native had planned to teach and ease into coaching gradually, but opportunity knocked louder than expected.

When Bertram applied for a physical education teaching position at Andes Central in March, he also threw his hat in the ring for the head coaching job. He didn't expect to get it given his zero years of coaching experience. But Superintendent Clint Nelson saw something special and handed him the keys to the program.

The learning curve hit fast. Instead of focusing on his own position like he did as a player, Bertram suddenly juggled practice plans, parent communications, and coordinating with four different school districts that make up the co-op. Each town has different equipment and facilities, requiring constant communication with multiple athletic directors.

"High school football is really special, and I knew I had to act more professional right out of the gates to be a role model for these kids," Bertram said. His top priority became teaching professionalism, showing young athletes that the team represents their entire school community.

Bertram brought valuable perspective from growing up with a head coach father and playing college ball. But he quickly learned an important lesson: college plays don't translate to high school fields. His solution was running high school plays with college-level technique, meeting his players where they are while elevating their skills.

Sunny's Take

The payoff came September 4 when the Thunderhawks dominated Burke 44-20, giving Bertram his first career victory as head coach. Running back Jamian Medicine Horn exploded for 366 yards and five touchdowns on 29 carries, powered by stellar blocking from the offensive line.

But Bertram barely mentioned the personal milestone. "I didn't personally care that it was my first win," he said. "I was just excited for the kids." Watching his players discover their own capabilities mattered more than any coaching record.

The support system around Bertram has made the whirlwind transition possible. Fellow teachers and coaches at Andes Central helped him balance classroom duties with football season demands. Their guidance turned what could have been overwhelming into manageable.

Now Bertram is proving that sometimes the unconventional path leads exactly where you're meant to be.