Joe G. Maloof has announced funding for the James Bell Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a University of New Mexico football student-athlete who has exhausted his eligibility but still requires coursework to graduate. The first scholarship will be awarded for the 2008-09 academic year.
James Bell, a 1977 Albuquerque High graduate, was a UNM football letterman in 1978-79, and ’81. A defensive back, Bell went on to play professionally with the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League.
On Sept. 19, 1986, in a game against the British Columbia Lions, Bell suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed.
Current University of New Mexico head coach Rocky Long was Bell’s position coach at UNM during the 1979 season. And, ironically, when Bell was injured, Long was on the opposite sideline, serving as an assistant coach for the B.C. Lions.
After extensive rehabilitation, Bell eventually regained the ability to walk on his own. He currently lives in Albuquerque where he serves as the director of Bell Community Development Corp., a non-profit program that assists low to moderate-income families who are first time home buyers or are looking for a home to rent.
"I wanted to do something special to recognize a former teammate who has a wonderful spirit," said Maloof, who was a teammate of Bell's and a three-year Lobo letterman in the 1970s. "I really appreciate James Bell and how he has carried himself through some really tough times. I want this scholarship to live on in his name. I'm proud to know James and it's fantastic what he has accomplished in his life."
“We really want to thank Joe for establishing such a generous and meaningful scholarship,” said Long. “James Bell was a great competitor and a great person. Earning a college degree is the most important aspect of attending a university. It’s great that future Lobo football players will have this opportunity.”
“It’s amazing to have an individual who was a former teammate and a good friend just to remember you and show that he cares,” said Bell. “It means a great deal to me and I know it does to coach Long, who I care for greatly. I can’t thank Joe enough for the contribution that will benefit a fellow Lobo, and eventually, a UNM graduate. The scholarship keeps me tied to UNM.”
Posted by scarr at November 20, 2007 02:47 PM