Senior Feature -- Russ Bell
10/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 14, 2003
Editor's Note: This feature ran in the Oct. 11 edition of the Mizzou football gameday program.
by Emily Gatewood
You've probably heard the familiar story about the high school soccer player that tried out for college football, made the team and then became an all-star kicker. But, have you heard the one about the three-time track and field All-American, that after three years of college switched over to football and was a stand-out defensive linemen? Take a look on the field, search for the 6-2, 300-pound nose-tackle wearing the number 73 jersey, and you're sure to see history in the making.
Senior Russ Bell of Jefferson City, Mo., grew up playing soccer and football and also threw for the track and field team.
"I was the kid that was on four different teams at the same time," Bell reminisced enthusiastically. "Soccer, football, basketball, track, I always had something going on with sports. It's where I met people, made friends and just had a good time. I've always loved sports."
But, by the end of sixth grade, Bell decided soccer probably was not his best option because of his large stature.
"It just wasn't really my sport," Bell laughed. "Anyway I was a little too big, I was the defender in the goalie box and didn't get to run around much."
Bell instead focused his energy into playing both sides of the football for Jefferson City High School, helping his team to a Class 5A state title in 1997 and second- and third-place showings in 1998 and 1996, respectively. Individually, Bell was named first-team all-state as a senior offensive lineman, and was an all-district pick at both offensive line and defensive line each of his last two years of high school. A member of the track and field team, Bell was one of the nation's most accomplished prep throwers, winning four state championships in the discus and one in the shot put. In his "free-time," Bell even managed to earn two letters with the basketball team.
When graduation rolled around in 1999, the Jefferson City High School Athlete of the Year had a tough choice ahead of him; not only was he unsure of where to go to college, but he didn't know which sport to continue with, football or track. With over 40 schools all clamoring for Bell's attention he decided on Missouri.
"I think my parents were glad I chose Missouri," Bell said, "And personally, I'm glad I made the choice as well."
Bell's parents stepped to the proverbial sidelines and let him decide on his own whether track and field or football would be the sport to play in college.
"Out of high school my parents held back so much because they didn't want to influence whether I played football or track in college," Bell said. "They really wanted me to make my own decision and I did.
I'm pretty sure my Mom was happy I chose track to start out with. But, then three years down the line when I decided to play football she was excited all over again. She loves getting ready for game day! She gets her nails done with tiger paws and she's got her black and gold outfit and her earrings and then she and Dad paint the PT Cruiser up and put my name all over it."
The support Bell received from his family was phenomenal. And the decision to participate on the track and field team his first four years of college was one that he'll never regret.
"I always kind of had it in the back of my mind to play football again," Bell said. "But, I guess I was a little burned out after high school. Track was easier on my body and it was just a lot of fun. I guess I figured my body would last longer if I did track."
Bell took little time in bringing his name to the forefront of the throwers on the team. With fellow All-American teammate Christian Cantwell pushing him ahead, Bell earned a Big 12 title in the hammer throw, and earned All-American honors in the indoor shot put and weight throw and outdoor weight throw and discus.
Without the time constraints of football, Bell spent many hours in the weight room with Cantwell.
"One of the main differences between football and track and field is the time commitment," Bell said. With track and field there weren't as many constraints. Christian and I went in and lifted, and lifted hard. I think that's part of the thing that helped me in making the switch to football, my increased strength."
A walk-on to the football team in 2002, Bell's track and field teammates supported his decision and were eager to cheer him on from the stands, while his new teammates were left wondering how Bell was able to give up so much for football.
"The guys on the football team wondered what I was doing," Bell laughed. "They told me I was giving up the good life of a coed team with a relaxed atmosphere for one that involved a lot more hours and possible injury. During the spring, they would be practicing and there I'd be hanging out across the fence with the track team drinking my Powerade and throwing every once in a while. I'll be the first to admit that track is not all fun and games, but it is a lot more laid back."
Bell entered as a fifth-string lineman on the Missouri defense and worked his way to the top of the team. Making his first career start against Troy State last year, Bell continued to lead the depth chart for the following six weeks, wracking up 22 solo tackles and 14 assists with eight tackles made for a 26 yards for loss. Now standing with a career total of five sacks for 23 yards, Bell has continued to lead the lineup up in 2003, earning 18 tackles - nine solo.
"Last year, I think the Nebraska game was my best," Bell said.
Not a bad assessment considering Bell had a career-high eight tackles, and added one tackle for a loss and one quarterback hurry, earning team defensive player of the week after the Nebraska game.
"It hurt that we lost the game, but the atmosphere we played in was awesome," Bell remembered. "Growing up, Nebraska was the best of the best and they were the team to watch. Playing against them was great, but it wasn't good enough.
"By Nebraska standards, they had a down season year last year," Bell said. "But, they are better this year. This is no doubt going to be one of the biggest games of my life. We're playing at home in front of a sold out crowd and I want to get a win not only for myself, but also for the team and fans.
"The team is doing everything it can to make sure that happens," Bell said. "We've had two weeks of practice to get ready for them and put a little extra hop in our step instead of a pop."
With his immediate goal being a win over Nebraska, Bell plans on heading to both the combines and the Olympic Trials in the spring.
"To be able to do both sports that I love so much is amazing," Bell said smiling. "If I am successful at both the combines and the Olympic Trials, it would definitely be a golden year."
So, if you haven't already found number 73 out on the field for today's game against Nebraska, look again, but don't worry, it won't be the last time you'll have a chance to watch this all-star in action. He's one athlete that plans on being around for several more years.
