Courtesy of Jeff Weiss, Wayne State Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations

DETROIT -- The Wayne State University Department of Athletics retired the No. 5 football jersey of Joique Bell this evening during halftime ceremonies at the 79th annual WSU Homecoming game.  Bell was joined by his mother and step-dad during the on-field ceremony.

Bell, who played at WSU from 2006-09, was the winner of the 2009 Harlon Hill Trophy awarded to the most outstanding NCAA Division II Football Player (similar to the Division I Heisman Trophy).

"We have had a number of exceptional football student-athletes in the 98-year history of WSU Athletics, but Joique epitomizes the best that each aspires toward," said Director of Athletics Rob Fournier.  "He worked hard and tirelessly to accomplish his goals both academically and athletically and this jersey retirement recognizes that perseverance and determination.  We can all be a letter better at whatever we do ... Joique gives us an example of how that can be done."

At the time of his graduation (with a degree in criminal justice), Bell ranked fourth in NCAA Division II history (and ninth across all divisions) with 8,055 all-purpose yards.  His 576 points scored was fourth all-time in Division II and fifth in NCAA history, while his 13.1 points per game average is fourth in D-II and 10th in NCAA history.  Bell rushed for 6,727 yards which was sixth in Division II history and eighth in the NCAA, while his 152.91 rushing yards per game is 11th in D-II and 25th in NCAA history.

A four-time First Team All-GLIAC selection and a three-time (2006, 2007 and 2009) Harlon Hill semifinalist (top 24 nationally), Bell scored 96 touchdowns (88 rushing, 8 receiving) in 44 games plus passed for another four scores.

Only the fourth person in GLIAC history to be a two-time conference Offensive Back of the Year award winner, he finished with 918 receiving yards and set WSU records for rushing attempts (1,181), total offense (7,008) and total plays (1,198).  A two-year team captain, Bell was responsible for 100 touchdowns via rushing, passing and receiving in his career.  His 1,181 career rushing attempts ranks sixth in NCAA history (all divisions) and second in NCAA Division II history.

Bell had at least one reception in 37 games and became the fourth player in D-II history with two 2,000-yards rushing seasons joining Abilene Christian's Bernard Scott in 2007-08; Emporia State's Brian Shay in 1996-98; and C.W. Post's Ian Smart in 2001-02.

This evening's festivities marked only the third time that a WSU football jersey had been retired.  The previous two were the No. 29 jersey of Tom Adams (whom the field is named after) and the No. 35 worn by Ron Solack.

Adams was a three-year football letterwinner (1938-39-40) and for his outstanding achievements both athletically and in business, he was named to Sports Illustrated's 25-year All-American team in 1965.  The Wayne State University football field was renamed Tom Adams Field on October 11, 2003.

The first football number ever retired at Wayne State University was the number 35 jersey last worn by Ron Solack. Ron died of post-surgery complications in 1968, on the eve of the opening of the new Wayne State University Stadium. Ron wore his Wayne State uniform with unmatched pride and played the game with enthusiasm. He would have been a senior member of the 1969 team. An award was instituted in his name in 1969.  Joique Bell was the recipient of the 2009 Ron Solack Award.