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Rapids Players 'Step Out' For Diabetes On Behalf Of Their Own

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (CBS4) - This weekend hundreds of people will "step out" to stop diabetes, including Colorado Rapids players who are stepping out on behalf of two of their own.

CBS4 is a proud sponsor of the annual walk which raises money for diabetes research and prevention.

As day turns into night on a chilly October evening Bryce Montes and his teammates warm up and take to the field.

"I'm hoping to go to college and play Division I soccer," Montes said.

The 17-year-old member of the Colorado Rapids Development Academy has big goals.

"Hopefully, professional, that's the ultimate goal," he said.

And he doesn't let diabetes slow him down.

"I got diagnosed when I was 3 ½."

Montes keeps a close eye on his blood sugars before and after playing. But on the field nobody would never know that he has Type 1 diabetes.

"I admire greatly what he is able to do," Coach Mitch Murray said.

Murray said he's never seen a player manage his diabetes so well.

"For him to be able to maintain a high level of performance, game in and game out, is pretty impressive," Murray said.

The coach should know -- he shares a unique bond with his player.

"I am a Type 2 diabetic," Murray said.

He said genetics and a poor diet led to his diagnosis in 2006. Eating healthy and staying active help manage the condition.

"When I exercise regularly it's much easier to control my blood sugar levels."

Both coach and player agree that exercise is key. Now Montes can provide advice for younger players who follow in his footsteps.

"Keep your head up. It gets better; it gets easier as you get older and don't let it stop you from doing anything you want," Montes said.

The Rapids and CBS4 have teams participating in "Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes" this Saturday morning at the Downtown Aquarium. There's still time to sign up. To learn more, visit the link below.

LINK: Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

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