Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

A member of the class of 1995, Bates was a four-year starter for the Kentucky Wesleyan College football team.  The offensive guard was named All-American by both Street & Smith, and the Football Gazette after his senior season.  That year he was also named Second-Team Academic All-South Region by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Bates' jersey was retired by Kentucky Wesleyan after he earned the College's highest honor as a member of the Order of the Oak and Ivy.  Bates held a 3.478 grade point average while double majoring in Biology and Chemistry.