Shuemate is a Yoe alumnus, a graduate of the class of 1961.
For the past five decades, Shuemate hasn’t just spent his time pouring his voice into Yoe athletics, he’s also poured his heart into Yoe athletics.
The time he’s invested has culminated in a lifetime of records – record books that meticulously detail year-by-year district standings and individual C.H. Yoe player stats.
Shuemate said his older brother, Max, was responsible for starting the project.
“[Max] started in ’50 and ’51,” Shuemate said. “He would sit in the easy chair in the living room all day long and only get up to go eat or go to the restroom.”
“When Max passed away in 1995, Bertie had to pick up the ball and run with it,” Sapp said.
“I followed in his footsteps. [Max] was always known as the best Yoemen fan,” Shuemate said.
That honor has now been passed on to Shuemate.“
Shuemate has gone on to witness the golden years of Yoe athletics – his golden voice narrating football state championship wins in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
His pen strokes allowed the story to become history and helped time stand still. If only time could stand still.
“I had some heart problems, and they were treating me in the Waco hospitals,” Shuemate said.
The 2021 season has been Shuemate’s farewell tour.
“At one time, he really wanted to announce that year, but his health has deteriorated, he realized that might be too big of a thing to do,” head coach Rick Rhoades said.
[Bertie] absolutely delved into everything that was Yoe football. He’s one of those that’s kind of a fixture in the City of Cameron,
At C.H Yoe High School, one man takes it upon himself to paint this picture. In fact, he’s done it for half a century.
