#ForTheBrand Commitment Report: Hugo Cifuentes/Marshall (2020)
MARSHALL– We got to know the specialist from the Marshall Tigers football program a few months ago, but now he’s taking his talents to the next level. Hugo Cifuentes signed a letter of intent to continue his football career at Bethel…
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Continue ReadingMARSHALL– We got to know the specialist from the Marshall Tigers football program a few months ago, but now he’s taking his talents to the next level. Hugo Cifuentes signed a letter of intent to continue his football career at Bethel University in Arden Hills, Minn to join the family of Bethel Specialists which is their famous name on Twitter. We caught up with Cifuentes to see what went into his decision to join the Royals football program.
The Biggest Impact
Cifuentes grew up practicing faith throughout his life which gave him strong ties to the Christian university in the Twin Cities. “Being not only to grow athletically but also spiritually lead me to choose Bethel,” Cifuentes told Northstar Football about his decision to commit to the Royals of the MIAC.
Other Competitors Eyeing Hugo’s Talents
The entire time, the Johnnies of St. John’s in Collegeville, Minn was in the running for Hugo Cifuentes talents. “I want to thank the St. John’s coaching staffing for recruiting me, but in the end, the Royals felt like family, and I decided to commit to them,” Cifuentes said.
Adjusting to Division III Football from HS
Hugo told us an interesting take on what will be his biggest adjustment to the college game. When kicking extra points and field goals at Marshall, Cifuentes mostly kicked footballs off a block/tee due to the field the Tigers were consistently playing on. The college ranks, that’s not an option as you are kicking off the ground, which Cifuentes said is the going to be the absolute biggest adjustment to kicking in the college ranks.
Friends/Family that Impacted Hugo’s Decision
One of the biggest impacts on Hugo’s commitment to Bethel is one of his best friends from the #ForTheBrand family kicks for the Royals. Bjorn Charles, of Rogers, Minn (HS) had a huge impact on Cifuentes’s commitment as he’s the starting kicker for the Royals program right now. “I can’t wait to be able to compete with him,” Cifuentes said as those two will have some fun competing as Bethel specialists together next season. The coaching staff of the Royals was also influential in Hugo’s commitment, talking to him every day, not just about football, which Hugo was able to build a great relationship with Special Teams coach A.J. Parnell and offensive coordinator Greg Peterson who made Hugo feel like family and feel accepted with the Bethel Football family.
Biggest “Looking Forward To” at his College Program
Cifuentes, who had a great career kicking for the Marshall Tigers, said although he will miss the bond he had with his teammates at the southwest Minnesota powerhouse that is Marshall, he’s ready for new competition at Bethel and can’t wait to start something new as a BU Specialist. “Bethel has had a great program, and I can’t wait to help build a legacy,” Cifuentes said to NFN in his final statement.
Best of luck to Hugo Cifuentes on his commitment to the Royals! We are looking forward to watching you grow #ForTheBrand in the MIAC!