The Mountain West Conference has two student-athletes among the individuals nominated for the 2008 Allstate Insurance and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team.
Air Force's Travis Dekker and Colorado State's Kyle Bell are two of 71 college football players from across the nation whose involvement with charitable organizations and community service contributions stand out among the more than 50,000 student-athletes participating in the sport at all four-year collegiate institutions. From among the 71 nominations submitted by sports information directors on behalf of their team, a special selection committee assembled by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Allstate will select two 11-player Good Works Teams - one composed of players competing in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) and a combined team representing players competing in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA), Divisions II, III, and the NAIA. The two Good Works Teams will be announced in September.
The student-athletes nominated for this prestigious honor embody the true spirit of "teamwork" and "giving back" through selfless contributions and commendable acts of kindness. During a time when off-the-field transgressions seem to dominate the news headlines, these players have quietly made a favorable impression on the organizations and people with which they
Dekker, a senior tight end from Albuquerque, N.M., made 25 receptions for 382 yards in 2007 on his way to receiving all-MWC honorable mention honors. The biochemistry major has been named to the superintendent's list for academic, military and athletic excellence during each of his semester at the Academy.
Bell, a senior running back, gained 691 yards on 180 carries (3.8 avg.) last season for the Rams, and averaged 57.6 rushing yards per game. The Keenesburg, Colo. native, who is studying technical journalism, earned Academic All-MWC distinction in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
Established in 1992, the AFCA Good Works Team recognizes the extra efforts made by collegiate football players and student support staff on the field. Each nominee to the Good Works Team must be actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or community service while maintaining good academic standing.
