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More Kyle Bell!

Kyle Bell is a senior running back for the Rams who is majoring in Technical Journalism.

December 17, 2008

Greetings everyone...

I know you haven't heard from me in a while, but I wanted to check in one last time as a student here at CSU. The time has come for me to graduate, thus ending my college days and closing a great chapter in my life. I can't believe it's finally here, but all things must end sometime.

I'm very grateful that our football season didn't have to end early. We worked hard and got ourselves bowl eligible, which gives us the opportunity to play in New Mexico this Saturday. The bowl game experience is something that every team in the country strives to attain, and we really feel that we have earned the right to play this post season. The strides we made this season were very fun to be a part of and the way we finished the season has given us a lot of momentum going into this final game. As a senior, this is the game that we will remember the most and we're gonna make sure that we're ready to take care of business. I'm excited that so many people are going to make the trip down to support us, it's going to be a lot of fun!

As for my plans after the season is over, I am going to shift my focus on getting ready to try to continue playing at the next level. I'll take a couple weeks off after Christmas to get rested and refreshed, and I'll be back to work training and working out to get myself ready. It's always been my dream to play football at the highest level, and I'm ready to do the work get there. I realize there's always the possibility that it might not work out, after all it's extremely completive and a lot of good players don't make it. ut you only get one chance and there's no way I'm not going to give it my best shot. Win or lose, I'm looking forward to the experience!

No matter what the future holds, I know that I am a much better person because of what I have learned these past four and a half years here in Fort Collins. It seems like not long ago that I was moving into Corbett Hall and no idea what was really in store. But 126 credit hours later, numerous papers and projects, some tough times and a ton of good times, it's all come to an end. I've made a lot of good friends and have had the chance to work with so many people at this university who have had such a positive impact on my life. I've learned so many valuable lessons, both in and out of the classroom, and have made memories that will last forever. I know haven't had a chance to look back and absorb everything quite yet, but I know that it's been an amazing journey and I am very thankful for it.

So before the nostalgia kicks in and I ramble on too long, I want to thank everyone out there who I have had the pleasure of taking this journey with. I thank my football teammates, my friends, the CSU faculty and staff, and everyone out there for all of their support and generosity. And of course, I thank my family for always being there, and it's because of them that I am where I am today.

Thank you all! Go Rams in the bowl game!

God Bless!
-KB

October 8, 2008

What's up!

So, our game at Cal didn't go quite as planned a couple weeks ago, but we got back on track this last weekend with a win over UNLV. 1-0 in conference is right where you want to be, but we have another huge test this weekend. TCU comes into town, and defensively, might pose our biggest challenge yet. But, like always, we accept this challenge and will do our best to fight for a win. After all, it is homecoming, and there's nothing better than getting a big win for the fans.

As the days creep up closer to graduation time, I'm starting to think more and more about what I'll be doing a year from now and what my future holds. My dream has always been to play football at the highest level. I realize that it's a lofty goal and that only a small percentage of college players will move on, but I’ve always set high goals for my self. It will take a lot of work, but I've been blessed with a good work ethic that will help me get there. But I also will have a degree in technical journalism that will also help me to stay close to my love of football. Once my days of playing football are over, hopefully I can move on to the broadcast booth or become an analyst, or even become a sports writer. I think my experiences here at CSU will help me become successful in what ever I decide to pursue.

I hope to see a big crowd out at Hughes Stadium this week. Homecoming is an awesome time of year, and we're 3-0 at home. Let's make it 4-0 and keep on rolling!

God Bless! GO RAMS!

-KB

September 24, 2008

"Well nothing seems as strange, when the leaves begin to change..."

One of my favorite lines from Kid Rock's song "All Summer Long," the lyrics sure are echoing around here. Everything is changing colors and summer is officially over. But that just means it's the heart of football season. Another great win for us last week, it's nice to be able to win the close ones. We have an even bigger challenge this week though. We'll travel to Berkley to take on the Cal Golden Bears. Another big win out there would be huge for this team heading into conference play. We took them down to the wire last year (when they came in here ranked 9th in the country) and we would love to get some revenge. Plus, I hear the place is a lot like Boulder...

Life outside of football is kind of slow for me these days. I've definitely got a case of senioritis going on. I have one class, so it’s not like school is driving me into the ground, but it keeps me occupied. I planned on graduating in four years right from the start so when it worked out that I would be here one more semester I figured I was set. I mean, I’ve already paid my dues right? I still spend a lot of time studying...football that is. Watching film of yourself and your opponent is just as important as spending time out on the field, and if I hope to have any chance of playing at the next level, film study is right up there with breaking tackles.

Well I'm out for now, trying to learn a new tune on the guitar. How about a little Sweet Home Alabama?

"...or how we thought those days would never end."

God Bless! GO RAMS!

-KB

September 17, 2008

Hello again everyone! Hope all is well! We had a bye this last week, so it was our first weekend without football since the first part of August. We practiced a few times last week and then had the weekend off. I got to spend some time with some family and just sit around, relax, watch some football and eat some good food. As much as you love to play the game, its nice to have a little break every once in a while and get refreshed.

That has brought us into this week and we are preparing to play Houston this weekend. This is going to be a pretty good test for us. That means we’re going to need everyone out there supporting us so lets get a big crowd to cheer us on! We’re sitting at 1-1 right now, but 2-1 sounds even better.

Well I guess that’s pretty much all for now. I would like to offer thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the recent hurricanes down south. They’ve already displayed what it means to press on and persevere in the aftermath of Katrina, and I know they will do the same now!

God Bless and Go Rams!

-KB

September, 3 2008

Hello everyone! Welcome back and I hope you all are ready for a great year!

It's so nice to be back here again on the MyCSU site. Some of you may have been wondering where the heck I have been. I apologize for my absence for the last three months. I was planning on keeping up with the blogs, but you know how sometimes life gets busy and plans change. And busy I have been.

My summer was a fun one, but it flew by. Our football training schedule was the toughest summer program that we have had since I've been here, but we worked really hard and got a lot accomplished. I worked a lot too this summer. I worked my third summer as a rec-league softball umpire, and fortunately didn't have to throw anyone out from a game. I also officiated some youth basketball, helped train athletes at a speed training facility in town, and also was in charge of a 6-week Saturday youth flag football camp. That was an awesome experience. I also enjoyed a lot of time with friends and family, as well as a trip to fantastic Las Vegas. Needless to say a July trip to Vegas is not for those who hate hot, sultry days.

If the summer went by fast, then August was simply a blur. Just as the summer was the hardest summer since I've been here, our fall camp was as well. Not hard as in an "I never want to go through that again" experience, but it was an exhausting month of constant football. But I really feel that the hard work is really paying off...

...Despite the outcome of our game against CU. I know everyone was really disappointed with the loss. Trust me, the team really was. But there were also some good things to take away from that game. We really played hard and showed some great effort, and we really like the direction that our team is heading. The coaches are continuing to push us and make us better everyday.

With that being said, there's 11 more games on our schedule. Come out too all the home games, and heck, make the road games in Laramie and the Springs if you can. I think you will really be impressed with how we will progress this year. But first thing is first...BEATING SAC STATE this weekend!

I wish all of you a wonderful, successful, and safe '08-'09 year! Let's let the good times roll!

God Bless, Stay Classy, and GO RAMS!

-KB

P.S. I have to extend a belated good luck message to all of those who have moved on from CSU and are continuing their life out in the 'real world.' Thank you to everyone who I shared memories with here in Fort Collins, especially my roommate and one of my best friends Kevin, who is now working in Dallas! Good luck buddy!

May 7 - Countdown to Summer

Greetings! I hope everyone is surviving the countdown to summer, and in the case of the seniors, graduation. This seems like the time of year where students seem to get a little on edge and can feel the pressure of finals breathing down their neck. I try to stay away from the library if at all possible. It’s almost like you can see a cloud of built up stress hovering right above. Just kidding.

As for football, things are still fairly busy for us. The spring game last week was a lot of fun. Unfortunately for me and the rest of the offense, the defense had the better day, but we’re all a team and the trash talk only lasted a few hours. Now we’re back to working out on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday all the way until school is out. Then we have two weeks off before everyone returns June 2 to start up the next round of workouts. That’s where the real work begins.

I’m taking a summer class again this year and I’m really excited for it.

Now, why would anyone be excited for summer school? Because it’s a golf class, that’s why. I actually get to go out to City Park Nine everyday for four weeks and hit some golf balls for two hours... I get school credit for it and my scholarship pays for it. Can’t argue with that. Now if I can only get rid of that nasty slice I have.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the spring game and took part in the festivities! Make sure you come check us out at Moby on Friday May, 9 at 6:00 p.m. We’re having the first Rams Superstars Competition where the football players will take part in several fun competitions. We’ll be giving out autographs and hanging out with everyone when it’s all done. It’s gonna be a lot of fun!

Stay Classy! GO RAMS!!

P.S. I had a chance to go see Dierks Bentley this last weekend down in Colorado Springs. Now I’m not a country music fanatic or anything, but the guy put on one great show. A fun time was had by all.

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April 17 - Game Time

The spring game is this Saturday, and as a player it’s always fun to get to this point of the year. All of the off-season training and all of the work and sweat in spring ball that you put in as a player kind of all come together for this final culmination of the spring. The game is always a lot of fun and is a good game to watch.

It’s kind of unfortunate that we aren’t going to be able to split up the team into two teams this year, we just don’t have the numbers at some positions to do so. But nonetheless, it’s still going to be a good game, offense vs. defense. It’s hard to believe that this is my last spring game here at CSU, I still feel like one of the young guys trying to prove themselves. But, I’m really looking forward to Saturday and hopefully I can look up to the stands to see a good crowd turnout, because after all, as a fan this is your last chance to get your football fix till August. Hope to see you there!

Make sure you stop in next week to see how the game went and I’ll tell you what the next step for us is!

Stay Classy! GO RAMS!

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April 8 - The Cowbell

“I’m standing here staring at rock legend Bruce Dickenson, and if Bruce Dickenson wants more cowbell we should probably give him more cowbell.”

And we all know what line comes next...

How it all started

Man how time flies. It seems just like yesterday it was my freshman year in the dorms and I saw that SNL skit for the first time. It was with linebacker Jeff Horinek and he was the first person to really coin it for use in regards to me. I never minded it though. I actually do still get a chuckle out on the field when I look up to the scoreboard after a run and see Will Farrell and Christopher Walken proclaiming their desire for more cowbell. It was even cooler when Rams fans started making shirts.

Working my way through spring

We are already halfway through spring practice. It’s actually only 15 practices in four weeks, so it usually goes by pretty fast. Everyday we are putting in a bunch of new plays and trying to learn as much of the new offence this spring as possible, that way we can get right into it in the fall. The Green and Gold Game is April 19th, so if you’re getting the itch to watch some football come out to Hughes Stadium... it’s a pretty good time.

Can you see summer?

Summer is in sight! To all the students out there, I hope your semester is progressing smoothly. It’s hard to believe that this is pretty much my last semester for classes. I’ll have one class to finish up my major next fall and I might take a scuba diving class just for the heck of it. But, with the added free time it’s just more of a reason to have a great football season.

Until next time, play your cowbell loudly!

Stay classy! Go Rams!

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March 14 - Pre-Spring Break Mania

Hello again! I hope all of you out there are doing well and I hope all of you students are enjoying and having a productive semester!

I know it’s been a couple of weeks since you heard from me, but it always seems like I am finding things to keep me busy. I told you last time about the work that the new football staff has been putting us through, and it hasn’t let up. But everyday we strive to work harder, and those mat drills I told you about have gotten somewhat easier as we get in better shape. We just finished up maxing out in the weight room and everyone has gotten a lot stronger. School work seems like it is never in short supply, especially as my final semester grows near. I also continue to do as much with my internship as I can.

Student & athlete

Staying on the topic of keeping busy, not many people know what it’s like to be a student athlete. A lot of people are under the predisposition that having a full-ride athletic scholarship means student athletes have it easy. This is not the case. Despite the stereotypes, most of the student athletes here at CSU take our academics very seriously, and a lot is expected of us to stay on top of our eligibility. Another knock on us is that we don’t have to get a job to pay our way through school. Again, quite contrary. While we don’t have jobs per say, our sport is like a job (albeit the best job in the world). During the season we can devote as much as 30 hours a week to our sport, taking into account practice, workouts, meetings, travel and games. It’s almost like a full time job.

While I contend that student athletes don’t have it any easier that any other student, I’m not here to say that we have it harder either. Just being a college student is hard enough in itself, and credit must be given to anyone who decides to pursue a degree.

A little free time

But as important as school and sports is, one of the most important treasures we have is our free time. While the time demanded of a student athletes life is at such a premium, free time can be hard to come by. That means taking advantage of that time is important (at least for me).

Besides taking the time to relax and recover from workouts, I like to get to the rec and play some basketball, hang out with my roommates, play poker, listen to music or hit up the bowling alley or play golf in the summer. One of the passions that I have developed away from athletics is music and my attempt to teach myself to play the guitar. I own a beautiful black Epiphone electric guitar and making sound come out of it is one of the coolest things in the world to me. I’m not Hendrix or Clapton yet, but I’m going to keep on practicing.

Well, I hope that everyone has a fun and safe spring break, regardless of whether you are hitting up Mexico, Vegas, or your parents house. I myself am going to take the time to relax here in Fort Collins for a couple of days and make my way back home for a few, maybe spend a little time on the tractor (as boring as it sounds, it’s a little therapeutic in it’s own way). As Kenny Chesney says, she thinks my tractor’s sexy.

Stay class, GO RAMS!!

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March 4 - Introduction to my blog

You probably know me from those August through November Saturdays at Sony Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium in which I play running back for the Rams. If you don’t know me, I wear number 34 and I try to take the football from the quarterback and score touchdowns, simple as that.

Putting football aside for a bit, I am a senior at Colorado State with a major in Technical Journalism and a minor in Business. I am currently undertaking my second internship with the President’s office, and as part of my work with them I suggested that I do a periodical blog. I hope to share with you

• what it’s like to be a collegiate student-athlete,
• my thoughts on life, and
• the progress I am making in becoming a productive member of society. 

But most of all I want to share the wonderful experiences that I have had and am having at this great university, and maybe impact a few lives in the process (that may be a stretch, but I do what I can).

Getting back to the subject of that one thing that consumes most of my life (aka football), pretty much everyone was saddened by the departure of our beloved coach, Sonny Lubick, and it goes without blame that you may feel that way. Coach Lubick was and is one of the most genuine, authentically good men that you will ever meet, and a darn good football coach. For those who lucky enough to be embraced by his acquaintance, you can attest. It was however that our administration felt that a change was needed, so we wish Coach Lubick the best with everything that he decides to take on from here. Coach Lubick will always be a Ram to us!

If it's Tuesday morning, it must be time for mat drills

As for the here and now, I think that our leaders did a great job going out and hiring Coach Steve Fairchild. Since his hiring, Coach Fairchild has assembled a staff of coaches who are already working hard and expecting success. It is no more evident than in our winter workouts, where you can find us:

• in the weight room in the afternoons four times a week,
• running out on the field on Mondays and Fridays,
• and on Tuesday and Thursday at 6 a.m. in the intramural gym for mat drills.

What are mat drills, you ask? Well, let’s just say extra trash cans are brought in for a reason.

But in all seriousness, it is definitely a transition period for all of us involved, and I can say with confidence that everyone on the team is buying in to what is being expected of us. We understand that mediocrity cannot and will not be accepted, and we’re out to prove that we can get back to the top of the Mountain West. I know 2007 was a rough year, but I know that the true Ram fans will be back out in full force when we’re out on the field again on August 30th when we take on those guys from Boulder.

Gotta go hit the books...

As for me I must now revert my attention back to the reason I’m here in the first place…my school work. Ok, so I’ll probably watch an episode or two of Family Guy first, how can you not love that show. But I am looking forward to sharing with you the adventure that is my life in the following weeks and months to come.

Stay classy…

GO RAMS!