Football Captain Beau Bates Earns Top Award

The National Football Foundation honored seven of Minnesota’s top student athletes, including Minnetonka’s Beau Bates, at the 2012 Scholar-Athlete Awards on April 22.

“This award means a lot to me,” said Bates, a linebacker. “It’s special to be with all these big shots here.”  

In attendance were former NFL and college players, including Hall of Famer Bobby Bell. News anchor Frank Vascellaro emceed the event, held at the University of St. Thomas.

Bates was honored for his academic achievement. He has been on the A honor roll all four years of high school. 

How does he balance the demands of schoolwork with sports? 

“I guess I developed good habits that my parents taught me,” he said. “It’s actually easier for me during football season because then I have a strict schedule.”

His favorite class is psychology. “It’s interesting and challenging,” said the Minnetonka senior. 

Bates said his strongest subject is math and his weakest is English. One of his homework tips: “Whatever subject you’re struggling in, work on that first.”

Bates advises freshmen to balance their time in different areas. 

“Don’t focus too much on one thing,” he said. “Find a balance with school and friends. I was a little too focused on academics early on.”

Bates joined a football team in fourth grade. “My brother played football, so I wanted to try it,” he said. “I like the contact and the spirit of the game– the Friday night lights.”

Before each football game, Bates listens to music to prepare himself mentally.  “It’s usually Christian rap,” he said. 

Bates names Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens as an athlete he looks up to.  “Watching him inspired me to play linebacker,” Bates said.

As a senior captain, Bates was named Conference Defensive MVP and was named to the Academic All-State Team.

With his high school days coming to an end, how does he feel about graduation? 

“I’m a little nervous, but I’m looking forward to college,” he said.

This fall, Bates will continue his football career with the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.

“UMD has quite a recruit in him,” said Minnetonka head football coach Dave Nelson. “Beau is a fantastic leader. He is one of the hardest working kids in our program.”

Bates said he chose UMD because it fit well. “Their defense is similar to Minnetonka’s," he shared. "Also, I like the Duluth area.” Bates is considering a major in athletic training.

Bates’ parents attended UMD, but they didn’t pressure him to follow in their footsteps. “They were open and supportive,” he said.

This summer, Bates will be training for the Minnesota High School All-Star football game to be hosted June 30 at St. Cloud State. He also plays on a recreational basketball team and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

Bates occasionally works security at a local restaurant/tavern. “It doesn’t get too rowdy because the crowd is older,” he said.

Bates plans to look for summer work on Lake Minnetonka. “I’m trying to get a job at Lord Fletcher’s,” he said. 

When he isn't working or training for football, he enjoys hanging out with friends. “We like to go lugeing,” which he described as riding a skateboard downhill while lying down. 

Bates spends time with his family, which includes parents Alan and Penny and three siblings. 

The Bates family also includes four dogs. “We can’t stop taking them in," he said.

He is about to be a Bulldog, after all.