Answering the Bell
May 2, 2009
Matt and I are logging some serious miles in Michigan as we trekked across I-96 towards Grand Rapids, Michigan to visit with Team USA’s Robert Bell, 6′0, 222-lbs linebacker from East Grand Rapid High School. Bell will play at the University of Toledo in the fall for Coach Tim Beckman. Bell might be soft-spoken, but he is a hard hitter on the field. As we walked through the hallways of East Grand Rapids, Bell reflected on his time spent at EGR, and the challenges ahead of him as he prepares for the Junior World Championship.
Named Michigan first-team all-state in Division 3-4 by The Associated Press, Bell also made first-team all-conference, as well as The Grand Rapids Press’ area “Dream Team,” in both his junior and senior seasons. The Pioneers, 13-1 overall, captured their third straight Division 3 title in 2008.
I was impressed by Bell, as he seemingly was friends with everyone at the school; faculty, students, coaches and staff. He is a total team player, giving high praise for fellow teammate Joe Glendening aka “Joe the Show.” We have met some outstanding student-athletes in our travels, and Bell is no exception. The strong emphasis on academics was a deciding factor in choosing Toledo. It won’t take long for him to win over the entire coaching staff and his teammates with his work ethic and commitment.
We will be posting our interview with Mr. Bell soon. For now, we are off to Ann Arbor to visit this weekend’s USA Football Coaching School. We’re definitely gonna stop by the Big House!
-Mick
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