On a memorable day, Queen”s Gaels football broadcaster Jesse Bell experienced a moment of triumph that overshadowed a prior viral defeat. After the Gaels secured a dramatic 30-27 victory over Laurier for the Yates Cup, quarterback Alex Vreeken made a momentous call at midfield. “Jesse!” he shouted, beckoning Bell, who was ready to celebrate with the 117-year-old trophy.
The formal presentations had concluded, and team members were taking turns hoisting the Yates Cup at the 55-yard line. Vreeken, a fifth-year player, organized the celebration and handed off the historic trophy, knowing how much this moment meant to Bell. The 31-year-old broadcaster from Sydenham, a Queen”s graduate with a history degree, has been the play-by-play voice for the Gaels on CFRC 101.9fm, where he also serves as program coordinator and news producer. This game marked his 50th broadcast, yet his connection to the team stretches back to his childhood.
“I”m racking my brain here,” Bell recalled in a recent interview when reflecting on his first Queen”s football game. “I want to say 2003, but it was definitely before I turned 10.” While he cannot pinpoint the exact number of games he has attended, he emphasized the profound impact of the local football community. “Kingston has a fantastic football culture and has been a stronghold for youth football for a long time,” he explained. “Growing up here, you idolize these players because they were the only game in town.” Bell fondly remembers watching players like Tommy Dennison and the electrifying Danny Brannigan era.
While Bell cherishes past memories, he has also had his share of challenging moments in the broadcast booth. He is known for what he refers to as “the infamous “No-ooo-oooo!” clip.” He began his journey at CFRC in January 2020, eager to provide play-by-play commentary for football. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his debut until 2021. “There was no one to help me transition into the role, so I learned on the job,” he said, noting that Queen”s made it to the Yates Cup finals in both 2021 and 2022, only to suffer defeats against the rival Western Mustangs.
In a twist of fate, during the 2023 season, Bell utilized social media to enhance his broadcasts. By collaborating with Station 14, which provided game footage, he shared clips that garnered unexpected attention. His commentary on the last seconds of a game against Western, where the Mustangs scored a winning touchdown, went viral, receiving millions of views across various platforms.
“It”s been viewed tens of millions of times,” he noted, acknowledging the fame that came with the clip. When told that estimates suggested the views could be around 50 million, he shrugged it off. Bell humorously compared his situation to that of Brian Collins, who became famous for his “Boom Goes the Dynamite” call back in 2005. “That clip opened a lot of doors for me,” he stated. “Queen”s football jumped at the chance to collaborate, and our video output has significantly increased since then.”
Although Bell”s broadcast style does not rely on gimmicks, he emphasizes thorough research and a genuine understanding of the game. Having played football at the high school level and with the Grenadiers at the provincial league level, he appreciates the skill and dedication displayed by the Gaels. “I was big and thick and not particularly technically skilled,” he admitted, recalling his past as a defensive tackle.
Vreeken, who was the quarterback during the viral “No-ooo-oooo” game, acknowledged Bell”s enthusiasm for the sport. “The win meant as much to Jesse as it did to us,” he said. “He brings so much excitement to our games, and I wanted him to have that opportunity to raise the Yates Cup.” For Bell, this moment represents a profound achievement, a culmination of years of dedication and passion for the sport he loves.
As Bell reflected on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the support surrounding the team. “To capture even a small piece of that gleam now all these years later is profoundly humbling,” he remarked. “Young Jesse would be thrilled to see how high the level of competition has risen and the support for our hometown team.”
