For Morehead State rifle athlete
Hayden Bell, the choice to join the Eagles' rifle team was an easy one.
When Bell visited Morehead State, some of the academic benefits stood out to him.Â
"The smaller class sizes were also an incentive for me," Bell said. "With smaller class sizes, I felt like I would have a good chance to form relationships and get help from professors, as opposed to a large school where I would just be a number."
But it was more than just the location and academics that drew Bell to Morehead State. When he met one of his future teammates at a competition during his junior year, he was struck by the values and commitment to success that the team embodied.
"Everything that he stood for made a lasting impression that this is a successful program both in the athletic sense, but also in the sense that we develop our athletes to be successful after we graduate," Bell said.
When Bell visited the campus, he was welcomed with open arms by the rifle team. He could feel the energy and camaraderie among the team members, and he knew that he wanted to be a part of it.
"The team just gave off the energy that it was more of a family than just random people recruited across the country, and that was something that I wanted to be a part of," Bell said.
As a member of the Morehead State rifle team, Bell has found a place where he can thrive both athletically and personally. He is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a team that feels like family and to represent a university that values its students and athletes.
Rifle shooting is an intricate and demanding sport that requires precision and focus.
Bell knows firsthand just how challenging it can be.
"Rifle is an extremely technical sport," Bell said. "There are so many moving parts to it that it can certainly overwhelm you if you aren't prepared."
One of the physical aspects of rifle shooting is the need to remain as still as possible to maintain consistency. The equipment can be heavy, and shooters must have the strength and endurance to complete 60 record shots with both guns.
However, Bell emphasizes that the mental aspect of the sport is the most significant challenge.
"Are you able to stay 100% focused and perfectly execute your shot process for 120 shots in the match?" Bell said. "Can you keep a level head and analyze your performance in the moment to find out what is going wrong and correct it?"
In rifle shooting, the target is incredibly small, and even a slight lapse in focus can lead to a series of missed shots. It requires discipline and mental fortitude to acknowledge mistakes and make the necessary adjustments.
"It can easily show if you have the discipline and mental fortitude to say, 'Hey, I messed up here, and that bad shot is on me,' or 'Hey, something is not adding up here,'" Bell said.
Despite the challenges, Bell finds fulfillment in the technical and mental aspects of rifle shooting. It is a sport that demands precision, focus, and the ability to learn from mistakes.
With his dedication and determination, Bell is constantly striving to improve his skills and reach new heights in the sport he loves.
Growing up, Bell had a major role model in his life—his father.
"I know that I would not have made it this far without him," Bell said.
Bell's father has been a constant presence, encouraging him to pursue his interests and become the best version of himself.
Whether it was in academics, sports, or any other endeavor, Bell's father was there to push him to reach his full potential.
It's this support and guidance that has shaped Bell into the athlete and individual he is today.
Competing at the NCAA Championship in early 2025 was a dream come true for Bell.
"It was one of the goals that I had when I started in rifle," Bell said. "To be able to say that I actually got to compete is amazing."
But for Bell, the experience was about more than just his individual achievement. It was a chance to showcase the hard work and dedication that everyone involved in the program had poured into elevating Morehead State to that level..
Bell is grateful for the opportunity to compete at such a high level and to represent a program that is committed to excellence.
With his talent, determination, and the support of his teammates and coaches, Bell is poised to continue making an impact in the world of collegiate rifle shooting.
