2021 Atrisco Heritage OLB commits to Bethel
All it took was a visit to Bethel University in St. Paul, MN to convince 2021 Albuquerque (NM) Atrisco Heritage outside linebacker Chris Rios Chris Rios 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Atrisco Heritage | 2021 State NM that he…
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Continue ReadingAll it took was a visit to Bethel University in St. Paul, MN to convince 2021 Albuquerque (NM) Atrisco Heritage outside linebacker Chris Rios Chris Rios 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Atrisco Heritage | 2021 State NM that he had found the perfect place to play his college football.
Rios announced his commitment to the Div. III school on Thursday afternoon in the middle of his visit there, choosing the Royals over offers from Oberlin, Kenyon, University of the South, Hamline, Carthage, Concordia, Hiram, US Merchant Marine Academy and US Coast Guard Academy.
“Talking to the coaches and the players and actually getting the opportunity to visit there, that’s what really made me commit,” Rios told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “Just seeing it for myself. Seeing the type of people they have there and seeing what it takes to be a winning program, I just knew I was meant to be there. Seeing how much the coaches and the players loved each other and how much of a tightknit group they were was absolutely amazing.”
Rios had already built a strong relationship with the Bethel coaches before his visit to the campus, and experiencing the campus and environment around the football program sealed the deal.
“The coaches there loved me from day one and were just amazing to me,” Rios said. “It’s really incredible how much the coaches love their players and how much they’re willing to do for their players. It’s a real relationship that I want. And a relationship that I will have.”
Rios said he was also impressed by his interactions with the Bethel players.
“When I went on my visit, the players were just amazing and welcomed me with open arms,” Rios said. “They showed a lot of respect and love for me. Just overall a great fit.”
Once Rios had toured the Bethel campus and met the coaches and players in person, he quickly committed to the school in the coaches’ offices.
“It was kind of a surprise for them, but they were ecstatic,” Rios said. “Coach (Johnson) was jumping up and down and hollering and it was really everything that I expected. Coach (Adam) Hippe was ecstatic too. The whole coaching staff was really happy that I’m going there.
Bethel head coach Steve Johnson has been at the school for 31 years, compiling an impressive record of 218-100-1. He has been named Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Coach of the Year six times and won the conference championship five times.
Bethel, which has a total enrollment of nearly 6,500 students, has participated in the Division III playoffs nine times in the last 19 years and currently possesses a streak of 26 non-losing seasons. Since the beginning of the 2010 season, Bethel is 82-30 (.732) overall, including 60-20 in MIAC play.
Rios was recruited by Bethel to play outside linebacker, but he realizes he could switch positions after he gets on campus this summer.
“I’m getting recruited there to play outside linebacker like here at home,” Rios said. “Whether I end up playing there or another position, that’s still to be determined. But I’m willing to play anywhere for them though because they’re such a great coaching staff.”
Rios hopes to arrive at Bethel in July or August before the start of preseason camp.
https://twitter.com/rios552/status/1324463388123107330
The BU on the field is looking great for our Saturday tilt…. Team Navy vs Team White. Can’t wait!! #BethelBuilt pic.twitter.com/alniON8n00
— Bethel Football (@BethelRoyalsFB) September 30, 2020