Kevin Bell (Class of 2006), currently stationed in San Diego, Calif. flying helicopters for the Navy, was inducted into the Redhawk Athletic Hall of Fame on Jan. 22.  

For Naperville Central, Bell was a three-sport athlete in football, boys’ swimming and boys’ water polo.  Bell ultimately had over 100 teammates while at Central and played in over 150 competitions during his four years.  Being recognized in the school where he spent so much time was a true privilege for Bell.   

“It feels amazing,” Bell said.  “It’s incredible to see where Naperville Central’s athletic department has come from, from the Redskins to even Naperville Community High school, and it is an honor to be a part of it.”

Bell played under coach Joe Bunge as a outside linebacker and a tight end.  He lettered twice in football, garnering all-conference and team captain accolades.  As a football player, one of his favorite memories was playing in one of the first Naperville North vs. Central football games that was conducted at North Central College, and scoring a defensive touchdown as a junior when he recovered a fumble in the endzone.

In boys’ swimming, Bell was a four-time letter winner.  He was a four-time all-state selection and served as the team captain during his senior year.  Along with being a four-time All-American in swimming, he was also selected as an All-American in 16 different events.

Lastly, Bell was a four-time letter winner in boys’ water polo.  He earned two first-team all-state honors and was a two-time team captain.  He was also an All-American water polo player.  His favorite memory was carrying in the second place state water polo trophy into prom because the dance was right after the game.       

Bell had the opportunity to play any of those three sports in college, but decided to play water polo because it combined the aggressiveness of football and the athleticism of swimming.  With many options, Bell chose to play water polo for the Navy.

“In high school I had no idea where I was going to be when I was 28,” Bell said.  “On a whim I was accepted into the Naval Academy, and I said hey let’s give it a shot.  That was the best whim I ever followed in my life.  I am very happy I went that direction.”

After playing for Navy’s water polo team for three years, Bell was offered to be a part of the U.S. national team that would ultimately build into the 2012 Olympic team that would play in the London games, going into his senior year.  Bell decided to decline this offer.

“I decided not to do that because at that point I felt a strong commitment to my country,” Bell said.  “I had gotten three years of free education and I was really looking forward to joining the Navy.”  

During a panel discussion in front of dozens of Central athletes, Bell had some advice for all students, so they would not make the same mistakes he did.   

“Work hard, study harder, and make sure you know your friends and stick with them the best you can,” Bell said.  “Relationships are everything.  The teammates you are sitting next to right now, those will be the foundations of friendships for the rest of your lives.”