Bruce, a native of Medford, was born February 9, 1948, the son of Jack and Mary Bertrand. He attended Roosevelt grade school where he started his athletic career as one of Chief McLean’s boys, participating in football, basketball, and track. Bruce attended Hedrick Junior High School, again participating in all sports and playing for coach Barney Riggs.

Continuing into high school Bruce played football, basketball and baseball. In basketball he was 2nd team All-Conference as a junior. his senior year, 1966, saw him as All Conference first team, and first team All-State Oregonian and Journal basketball player. In football he was a two-year letterman, and 2nd team All-Conference Quarterback his senior year. As a three-sport letterman he played varsity baseball his junior and senior year.

Bruce was recruited and offered scholarships to play basketball at Oregon State University, Washington State University, and University of Oregon. He chose Oregon State where he was a three-year letterman from 1967 to 1970.

Upon receiving his education degree from Oregon State, Bruce began his teaching and coaching career at Coos Bay. He worked his way through the junior high school program to the high school junior varsity coach to assistant head basketball coach for four years. Bruce then took over the head basketball coaching duties. He is a fine teacher and coach and a great example of one that came through the Medford school system.