LaDontay Bell, the new Head Football Coach for Chester High
School, met with about 50 eager football players in the auditorium after school
wanting to sign up for football next season. Most of them know Coach Bell and
have played for him since he has been coaching in the district for 6 years, an assistant
coach at the high school and coach for middle school football. Bell is
currently assigned as Climate Manager at Toby Farms where he has been full-time for
4 years. Bell brings his years of playing football from H. D. Woodson Sr. High in
Washington, D. C. Played running back and kick return specialist. He also tried
college football but was sidelined due to a shattered knee. Bell earned a Bachelor’s
degree in Criminal Justice at Cheyney University and a Masters in Criminal
Justice at St. Joseph’s University. Close to 40 returning seniors and juniors wanted
to sign back up to play the game. Bell said, “I’m firm in persistence.” He
wanted the football players to know if they sign up, they must stick together
and communicate. “It’s not all about the coaches, it’s about you guys. I care
about you. Want you to be college bound.”
Bell is bringing “top caliber” coaching talent with
him. Coaches will be Widener University football player Anthony
Davis, Wide Receiver Coach; Dennis Shaw Freshman Head Coach; Bill Bethard
Offensive Line; LaFennis Terry Defensive Line and Junior Varsity Head Coach; Wayne Wells, Jr. Linebacker Coach; Al Layton Defensive Back Coach; and James Peach Howard Defensive Coordinator. Bell emphasized that players were getting coaches that knows what they are doing.
He was passionate about the team succeeding. “I have a purpose in my life and I
want you to have the same purpose. Believe in yourself! I believe you're a
championship football team and you just got to believe that before you go on
the field or in the weight room or in battle. Only way we win, if we stick
together.”
Bell let the guys know that football was going to
take them somewhere. He asked them if they had taken the SAT or ACT. He was in
disbelief when none of the actual in going seniors took the test. He told them
you have to take the test to be prepared because he expects them to get to the
next level which is college. He also wants the incoming players to be ready to
start tomorrow. “Bring your shirt, shorts and sneaks.” He told them to be ready
to work. “I need you to work with me and your coaches.” With football you got
to, “Live it, love it, and enjoy it!”