“I’ve seen this program grow from its infancy to being a state powerhouse. To be part of that journey is incredible.” – Merle “The Pearl” Bertrand
By JOHN BOYLE
FOUR POINTS NEWS
When Merle Bertrand stepped into the broadcast booth for the first Vandegrift Vipers football game in 2010, the newly opened high school was just beginning to carve out its identity in Texas high school athletics. Fourteen years later, Bertrand’s unmistakable voice has become as synonymous with the Vipers’ sports programs as their black-and-silver uniforms.
Bertrand, affectionately known as “Merle the Pearl,” has been the voice of Vandegrift sports since the school’s inception. His journey from an aspiring film student to a cornerstone of local sports broadcasting is a story of passion, resilience, and community spirit.
Bertrand’s career began far from the gridiron. Born and raised in the tiny farm town of Ashkum, Illinois, Merle Bertrand moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. After earning a degree in Radio, TV, and Film from the University of Texas in 1986, he ventured to Los Angeles to work in the film industry, rubbing shoulders with big names while working as a production assistant and grip. His love for storytelling, however, eventually brought him back to Austin in the mid-90s. “I always wanted to go into broadcasting,” Bertrand recalled. “But life took me on a different path for a while. Coming back to Texas felt like coming home.”
In 2007, Bertrand got his start in sports broadcasting with KMAC Sports, a burgeoning online platform for high school sports. His debut in the booth came during a Liberty Hill football game, where he quickly proved his knack for play-by-play commentary. By 2010, when Vandegrift High School opened its doors, Bertrand was the natural choice to anchor their broadcasts.
The early years were a mix of growing pains and small victories for the Vandegrift football program. “The first season was special,” Bertrand said. “The team was made up mostly of underclassmen, but they showed heart. It was about laying the foundation for something bigger.”
Bertrand’s dedication went beyond football. Over the years, he expanded coverage to include basketball, baseball, women’s soccer, and other sports, often juggling roles as producer, commentator, and technical director. Under his stewardship, Vandegrift’s broadcasts evolved from basic audio streams to polished productions featuring live video, graphics, and replays.
This year, the Vandegrift Vipers’ football team clinched the Texas UIL 6A Division 2 State Championship, a moment that Bertrand described as the culmination of years of effort and community support. “Walking into AT&T Stadium for the championship game was surreal,” he said. “I’ve seen this program grow from its infancy to being a state powerhouse. To be part of that journey is incredible.”
Despite his years of experience, Bertrand admitted to feeling the gravity of the moment as he called the game from the corner booth high above the field. “It’s not just about the players or coaches,” he said. “It’s about the fans, the parents, the alumni—everyone who’s been part of this journey.”
One of Bertrand’s favorite aspects of the job is the connection he fosters with the Vandegrift community. “We get emails and messages from alumni, parents, and even service members overseas who listen to the broadcasts,” he shared. “Knowing that our work helps bring a piece of home to someone miles away is incredibly rewarding.”
In 2018, Bertrand helped transition KMAC Sports into Vype Media, expanding the reach and sophistication of high school sports broadcasting across Texas. Even as technology advanced, Bertrand remained committed to the core principles of local radio: storytelling, community, and passion.
As the Vipers celebrate their first football championship (women’s soccer earned Vandy’s first State title in 2014), Bertrand is already looking ahead to next season. He hopes to continue expanding coverage to more sports, particularly women’s athletics, which he feels deserves greater visibility and support. “This isn’t just a job for me,” Bertrand said. “It’s a privilege. Vandegrift has given me so much, and I’m proud to give back in any way I can.”
Merle Bertrand’s voice may be heard in the stands, on the airwaves, and online, but it’s his heart and dedication that resonate most deeply with the Vandegrift community. For the fans, players, and families who have followed Vandy’s journey, “Merle the Pearl” will always be the voice of their Viper story.
